KUCHING: In preparation for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has introduced a new generation of Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) vehicles aimed at enhancing rapid response capabilities across the state, particularly in remote areas.
During a handover ceremony today, acting director Tiong Ling Hii presented the CFRT vehicles to three key stations of Lopeng, Kapit, and Siburan.
These locations were chosen strategically, taking into account factors such as geographical demands, accessibility, and surrounding communities.
“This new generation of lighter, smaller vehicles will enable us to reach smaller or more remote areas more efficiently, especially for Lopeng, which covers an expansive area extending up to Sibuti,” Tiong said during a press conference following the ceremony.
With the Northeast Monsoon expected to bring increased rainfall from November through March, Tiong said that all Bomba teams have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance.
“This year, we are moving away from waiting for public distress calls and are instead closely monitoring real-time weather data from MetMalaysia, iHydro, and social media for early flood warnings,” he added.
Bomba has also identified 349 flood hotspots throughout Sarawak, particularly in areas frequently impacted by severe weather.
Tiong highlighted the essential role of community firefighters, describing them as “our eyes and ears on the ground.”
While they are not insured for active rescue, these community firefighters provide critical support by reporting real-time conditions, assisting Bomba’s swift response to emergencies.
Sarawak Bomba’s personnel strength includes 1,171 permanent staff, 291 full-time firefighters, and 2,349 volunteer firefighters across 58 teams, supported by an additional 9,187 registered community firefighters across the state.
