Boost for Sabah fire and rescue services: RM11.7 million Putatan station adds new chapter
Published on: Friday, July 26, 2024
By: Sherell Jeffrey
Nga cutting the ribbon to open the RM11.72 million Putatan Fire and Rescue Station as Sabah leaders, among others, look on.
PUTATAN: Sabah added a new chapter to its fire and rescue services with the opening of the Putatan Fire and Rescue Station, here, Thursday.
The opening ceremony, officiated by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, marked a milestone in improving emergency response times and enhancing public safety in the State.
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Construction of the RM11.72 million facility began in 2021 and was completed in June 2024, overcoming challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Built on a 1.756-acre site, the Category C fire station is equipped with modern amenities, including vehicle bays, administrative offices, logistics stores, a pump house, a tower and a parade ground.
Nga said the new station brings the total number of fire stations in Sabah to 27, improving emergency coverage in the State.
Previously, incidents in Putatan were attended to by fire stations in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Lintas, each located more than 12km away.
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“With this new fire station in Putatan, response times will undoubtedly be shorter, allowing teams to reach incident locations faster to save lives and property in the surrounding areas,” he said.
“Several other fire station projects are underway in Sabah, including new stations in Telupid, Lahad Datu, Beaufort, Pitas, Nabawan and Merotai.
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“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s Fourth Rolling Plan, the Government has approved RM267.6 million for the Fire and Rescue Department, covering 17 new projects and 47 ongoing projects nationwide,” he said, while outlining broader initiatives to strengthen fire and rescue services across Malaysia.
“For 2024, the Unity Government has allocated RM53.8 million for new physical construction projects, including new buildings, upgrades and maintenance of fire-fighting facilities.
“An additional RM64.8 million has been approved for new equipment and maintenance of fire engines and vehicles,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the community leaders and the State Fire and Rescue Department for the commitment and hard work in realising the project.
Meanwhile, Nga, who is in Sabah for a two-day working visit in conjunction with his Ministry’s “Sentuhan Kasih” tour, also witnessed the handover ceremony of the newly constructed Tamu Putatan to the Putatan District Council.
The project costing RM10 million was completed on Dec 1 last year, providing 239 trading lots.
The new market facility aims to replace the existing site with a more comfortable and user-friendly space for traders and consumers, boosting the local economy.
“The Ministry is committed to improving the socio-economic status and well-being of the people while enhancing the quality of services provided by local authorities, especially in Sabah,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II cum State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister III-cum-Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu and State Assistant Finance Minister Tan Lee Fatt, among others.
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