KOTA KINABALU: Six new and extension fire station projects have been approved and are being implemented in Sabah this year, located in Telupid, Lahad Datu, Beaufort, Pitas, Nabawan and Merotai, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the allocation for these projects was provided under the 4th Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan, where RM267.6mil was allocated as development expenditure for the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.
This includes the implementation of 17 new projects and 47 extension projects across the country.
"For 2024, the unity government has also approved an allocation of RM53.8mil for new physical projects that include new construction, upgrading, and maintenance of firefighting facilities, including stations and quarters.
"Additionally, RM64.8mil has been approved for the procurement of new fire equipment, refurbishment of 30 units of Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), replacement of 10 units of fire buses, as well as maintenance of helicopters, aircraft refuellers, and fire engines,” he said during the opening of the Putatan Fire and Rescue Station Friday (July 25).
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, and Fire and Rescue director-general Datuk Hisham Mohammad.
Meanwhile, Nga said the Putatan Fire and Rescue Station was built on a 0.7ha site at a cost of RM11.72mil.
"It is a category C fire station equipped with a machinery room, administrative office, logistics store, pump house, tower, and marching field as well as other facilities.
"With the Putatan Fire and Rescue Station now fully operational, there are a total of 27 fire stations ready to provide fire and rescue services to the people in Sabah,” he said.
Nga mentioned that before the completion of the Putatan station, fire incidents in the area were attended by nearby fire and rescue stations in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and Lintas, each located more than 12km from Putatan.
"Now, the response time will definitely be shorter and firefighters will be able to arrive faster at the scene of incidents to save lives and property in the area.
"The ministry is optimistic that with the increase in the number of new stations being built and operated, the fire department will achieve better response times,” he added. – Bernama
