SERIAN: Three fire stations – Bintulu, Tabuan Jaya and Sungai Merah – have each received a Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) vehicle to boost emergency response capabilities, especially in remote areas with narrow and winding roads.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said the latest delivery marked the second batch of CFRTs allocated to the state, following a similar distribution last year.
In 2024, the department received three CFRTs which were assigned to Lopeng, Kapit and Siburan fire stations.
“These compact vehicles are specifically intended to overcome response delays in rural areas, especially those located between two fire stations – areas often regarded as logistical ‘blind spots’.
“This morning’s handover of CFRT vehicles is part of ongoing efforts to improve response times in hard-to-reach locations.
“Kampung Selipar Putus in Tabuan is an example of a location where traditional fire engines have difficulty accessing due to narrow roads.
“With this vehicle, we can respond more quickly to emergencies in such areas,” he said after officiating the department’s monthly assembly at Serian fire station today.

The addition of these vehicles is expected to significantly enhance the department’s efficiency in areas that have long posed logistical challenges.
Looking ahead, Jamri shared that Sarawak is set to receive a total of 15 CFRTs in phases from 2024 through 2027.
“With three delivered last year and another three this year, we now have six CFRTs in service across Sarawak. The remaining nine will be delivered gradually from next year until end of 2027,” he said.
In 2022, the federal government approved an allocation of RM291.4 million to upgrade Bomba facilities and acquire new assets.
Of this amount, about RM145 million was designated for the procurement of 150 CFRTs to be distributed to states in stages.