SARAWAK’S fire and rescue services will be further strengthened with the addition of three new fire stations, bringing the total number to 42 by the end of 2027.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the Sungai Asap fire station, which was approved with a funding of RM8.2 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12th MP) Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4), is expected to commence in June this year and will be carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said simultaneously, Engkilili and Dalat fire station are expected to be completed by the year 2027, with approved funding of RM15.5 million and RM9.8 million respectively under RMK-12 RP5.
“This addition will provide Sarawak with a total of 42 Fire stations by the end of 2027,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 27).
Dr Sim added the designs for the new stations have been submitted to the PWD for finalisation, with tender advertisements slated for July 2025.
“As for Kabong, a proposal to establish a fire and rescue station there was submitted on March 7 this year and is currently under review,” he said.
On the Kota Sentosa fire station, he said it was fully completed in Dec 2024 and fully operational on May 2 with a total strength of 28 personnel, comprising 13 permanent fire officers and 15 auxiliary firefighters.
“The addition of the Kota Sentosa fire and rescue station increases the total number of such facilities in Sarawak to 39.
“This is further supported by 59 volunteer fire stations, playing a vital role in strengthening grassroots-level emergency preparedness,” he said.
He said supporting these efforts are specialised auxiliary units, including 19 officers in the Search and Water Rescue Team (SWART) and 18 in the Mountain and Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) unit.
