KUCHING: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) will station a new AugustaWestland AW139 helicopter in Miri as part of preparations for the Northeast Monsoon and potential disasters such as forest fires.
Bomba director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the acquisition of the helicopter is part of a concession agreement that will see the department receive two additional units, bringing Bomba’s total AW139 fleet to six.
“Currently, Bomba has four AW139 helicopters stationed in Peninsular Malaysia. With these two additional units, one will be specifically allocated to Sarawak.”
Nor Hisham said this at a press conference after officiating the Bomba Service Medal Award Ceremony here, Monday (Aug 4).
According to him, the decision to base the helicopter in Miri was made after a study that considered the number of cases, response time, and logistical needs.
“For now, we are comfortable keeping it in Miri as it is strategically located for operations. We also have not yet opened a base in Sabah, so Miri remains the best choice.
“I do not see the need to station the helicopter in Kuching.”
