KUCHING – The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will provide 45 rescue boats in preparation for the flood season during the northeast monsoon, expected to hit the state later this year.
Its director, Khirudin Drahman, said that the boats would be stationed at three regional forward bases in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri.
“The rescue boats were brought in from 34 fire stations and this number does not include boats that will be used by volunteer and community firefighters as they have their own boats," he said in a press conference at the Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue station today.
Khirudin said that apart from the boats, a total of 67 four-wheel drive vehicles, 16 lorries, and a helicopter would also be provided to face any eventuality.
He said that thus far there was no need to cancel the annual leave of 1,194 personnel involved in the state, with between 15% to 20% of them being on leave.
“We have personnel on 24-hour shifts, and have no problem scheduling them. At the same time, we are also assisted by a total of 230 auxiliary firefighters placed at the stations,” he said.
The department will also be assisted by a total of 2,259 volunteer firefighters, 10,107 participants of the community emergency response team, 7,453 community firefighters, and 820 participants of the JBPM Summer Camp programme statewide.
Khairudin said that the northeast monsoon winds are expected to bring heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of western Sarawak covering Sri Aman, Simunjan, Samarahan, and Sebuyau. – Bernama, November 17, 2020
