KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has lauded the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) for getting the community to get involved in fire safety programmes.
“As we know, the Chinese New Year (CNY) is around the corner, and we want everyone to be safe.
“…and all the government agencies such as Bomba, they are carrying out fire prevention programmes among the community.
“This is the best of Sarawak because we all know that during the CNY, we want to celebrate it safely and we want to celebrate it with an abundance of prosperity and happiness.”
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Local Government and Housing, said this during the state-level fire safety campaign at Padungan Bomba here on Friday (Jan 28).
At the same time, he also thanked Sarawak Bomba for helping keep the state safe during the pandemic.
“This comes down to the leadership under state director Khirudin Drahman and also the other officers and personnel at all levels.
“This is important for Sarawak as we progress towards a prosperous and strong state in 2030 where we need the community, different government agencies to work together.”
The Batu Kawah assemblyman added that again CNY would be celebrated in a moderate manner due to the need to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On another note, he said that many of the state’s programmes had been disrupted due to the pandemic.
“A few years ago, through the friendship city of Guro in Seoul, Kuching City South Council (MBKS) was able to establish a good working collaboration with the Seoul Fire Rescue Services.
“However, due to Covid-19, our programme was disrupted, and we hope that this year we can bring a delegation to Seoul to learn and exchange knowledge that could benefit both parties.”
Dr Sim said that one of the areas Kuching city could share with Guro was on the management of peat fires.
Later at the event, a total of 14 shop owners along Jalan Padungan were presented with appreciation certificates for ensuring their shops adhered to fire safety measures.
Apart from that, three individuals, namely Chai Keng Huat, Tay Choon Kheng and Chong Hui Mui, were also given appointment letters under the ‘Teman Pili Bomba’ (Friends of Bomba Fire Hydrants) programme – members will help to look after the fire hydrants and report any damage or obstructions to Bomba.
Also present was MBKS mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
