SIBU: The Sibu Central Fire Department (SCFD) and Lanang Volunteer Fire Brigade (LVFB) have carried out painting and maintenance work on fire hydrants at Lane 18, Wong King Huo Road yesterday (Aug 3).
An inspection by both parties revealed that most of these hydrants were not painted with the designated red paint coating.
SCFD’s team leader, Omar Ali Saifuddin Enton informed that according to departmental records, there are eight fire hydrants at Lane 18, Wong King Huo Road.
He explained that several fire hydrants in the area were located within the drains area due to previous local development, and all of it has not been relocated.
Omar said the department must apply to the local government for approval before relocating these hydrants to the roadside.
“Today’s painting and maintenance work is the first task undertaken by the LVFB since its establishment. We are supervising the process and providing instructions to help the team members gain experience. In the future, similar maintenance work will be delegated to the team members to reduce the workload on our firefighters,” he stressed.
“There are 45 fire hydrants along Wong King Huo Road. The LVFB is responsible for maintaining the eight hydrants on Lane 18. Upon completing these tasks, they will take on maintenance work in other lanes.
“Additionally, Jerwit Road, which is close to Wong King Huo Road, has 37 fire hydrants. The Fire Department plans to collaborate with the Jerwit Neighborhood Committee for future maintenance and repair work,” he said.
According to the Fire Department’s records, Omar revealed that there were more than 3,700 fire hydrants in Sibu, with over 1,700 under the jurisdiction of the SCFD, and firefighters must inspect these hydrants annually to ensure it is functional and undamaged.
In cases of damage, stolen parts, or buried water valves, the firefighters will respond to the scene to inspect, document, and report the issues, Omar said, adding the volunteer fire brigade can assist with tasks such as painting and basic maintenance.
Meanwhile, LVFB chairman, Daniel Iing Shii Ngie, stated that under the guidance of SCFD, he and his team will conduct maintenance work on fire hydrants along Wong King Huo Road and Jerwit Road periodically.
“There are 18 members in LVFB. Since the nature of each member’s work varies and their participation is voluntary, not all members can attend every session. Therefore, I will schedule maintenance activities on different day and time to ensure all members have the opportunity to participate,” said Iing
Today, he, along with two teammates, Ngu Nguok Ying and Pang Boon Soon, accompanied by three firefighters were guided on how to maintain fire hydrants, and learned about the critical role of fire hydrants in the community.
During the process, Iing also educate the residents on how to protect and care for fire hydrants.
“LVFB next step is to encourage all members to become “friends of fire hydrants” and take responsibility for the hydrants near their residences or workplaces. This initiative is part of our volunteer fire brigade’s ongoing effort,” he concluded.
