KUCHING: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has requested for the state government’s assistance in providing a dedicated portable pump for forest fire-fighting operations.
Its director, Jamri Masran, said the request was conveyed during a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Kompleks Satria Pertiwi here today.
He said the move followed challenges faced during a recent forest fire at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Mukah, where the department encountered pump shortages.
“Alhamdulillah, the Premier received the request positively and, Insha-Allah, will try to assist us,” Jamri told reporters on the matter.
He added that the Premier also expressed concern over JBPM’s readiness to handle high-rise building fires, in line with Sarawak’s rapid urban development.
During the meeting, the department also briefed the Premier on its current assets for such operations, the strength of officers and personnel statewide, the status of fire stations, and plans for new stations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Also present were Sarawak JBPM Deputy Director, Tiong Ling Hii, and Assistant Director, Ahmad Nizam Sapaiee.
