LAHAD DATU: The Tungku sub-district needs a fire station as soon as possible to enable the Fire and Rescue team to take immediate action in case of any emergency as happened in the case of an eight-year old who died in a blaze.
Tungku Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Division Chief, Datuk Abdul Hakim Gulam Hassan said the need to build a fire station in the area is urgent due to its long distance from the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station.
Abdul Hakim said it is necessary so that the rescue workers can arrive faster in case of any emergency.
“The nearest Fire and Rescue Station takes about 45 minutes to an hour to arrive in the Tungku area.
“If there are emergencies such as a fire, the long distance will definitely result in a worse situation,” he said after visiting fire victims in Kampung Telisai on Friday.
An eight-year-old boy was killed in the 9.30pm incident on Tuesday.
Abdul Hakim said he had voiced his opinion to build a fire station in this area but had not received any response until now and therefore hopes the matter gets the attention of the government for the safety of the community.
He said, for now, the community expects fire service from the Volunteer Fire Brigade who are quite efficient in carrying out their duties.
However, he said, the limitations of equipment and members should also be taken into account if the emergency involves many victims.
“We hope that this matter can be realised for the sake of safety and better services for the people,” he added.
