Bomba Sarawak ramps up preparations for Northeast Monsoon
by Philip Kiew · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (Nov 14): The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is stepping up preparations for the Northeast Monsoon, which began yesterday and is expected to last until March next year.
Its director Jamri Masran said the preparations cover manpower resources, asset readiness, and disaster management planning across the state.
“We have entered the preparedness phase for the Northeast Monsoon. Comprehensive measures must be implemented across all seven zones, 39 fire stations, and volunteer fire teams throughout the state to handle any emergency,” he said during the monthly assembly at the Limbang fire station yesterday.
Also present were Bomba Limbang chief Ramlan Marajan, Limbang fire station chief Tawang Lingem, and Lawas fire station chief Clarence D. Primus Tiandun.
Jamri stressed that meticulous planning, including training and regular maintenance, is crucial to extending the lifespan and ensuring the operational effectiveness of firefighting equipment.
He highlighted the Development, Engineering and Logistics Division as the backbone of the department, playing a key role in formulating strategies to maintain all departmental assets and machinery at optimal readiness levels.
“Based on the director-general’s address at the headquarters’ monthly assembly in October, the department currently owns 589 Fire Rescue Tenders (FRT), with 428 units operational.
“Regarding vehicles exceeding 20 years of age, we are replacing 30 older FRT units with new ones supplied through a corporate social responsibility programme by CLW Malaysia, at an estimated cost of RM600,000 per unit, or a total of RM18 million,” he added.
Under Phase 1, Bomba will receive one FRT unit and one prototype FRT unit featuring innovative water cannon refurbishment modifications, while 28 units are expected under Phase 2 in January next year.
Jamri said the new vehicles, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years and meeting or exceeding current specifications, will significantly reduce breakdowns and repair costs while enhancing operational capability, ensuring more effective service delivery to the public.