AN upcoming fundraising dinner for the Lebuh Bakau Volunteer Fire Brigade (LBVFB) aims to raise RM400,000 to help build a new permanent fire station and purchase a second-hand fire engine in Sungai Pinang.
Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, who is also the state executive councillor for Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, today announced that the fundraising dinner will be held on April 17 at the Penang Chinese Town Hall.
She said the brigade has been operating from a temporary base beside the basketball court along Karpal Singh Drive since moving out of its previous premises at Pen Apparel during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Established in 1993, the LBVFB is the oldest volunteer fire brigade in Penang. It currently has 37 members, including eight women.
“Their fire engine has been parked in the open, while equipment can only be stored in simple storage cabinets. Prolonged exposure to the sun and rain has led to damage to many of their fire hoses,” Lim said.
“Volunteer fire brigades form a very important component of the community’s public safety system. Their presence provides an added layer of protection during unexpected incidents.
“Therefore, I would like to call upon all sectors of society — including businesses, associations and members of the public — to support the fundraising charity dinner.”
Lim also expressed her gratitude to M Summit Group founder and chairman Datuk Albert Moh for helping to instal a roof for the building at a cost of RM75,000 and for leading the fundraising efforts as organising chairman.
Moh encouraged the public to support the cause by purchasing tables or seats, with a target of selling 50 tables.
“This group of local volunteer firefighters is committed to safeguarding the safety of our community. Whether it’s under the scorching sun or in the middle of the night, they respond immediately to a fire or rescue call.
“I hope companies, especially those in the Sungai Pinang vicinity and George Town, will join the dinner,” he said.
Moh added that platinum sponsors contributing RM20,000 will have their names engraved on the fire engine. Gold sponsors (RM9,500 for a table), silver sponsors (RM6,500 for half a table), and bronze sponsors (RM2,000 for two seats) will have their names engraved on the Donor Appreciation Wall at the building.
Brigade captain Ong Theam Hock said the team currently has two second-hand fire engines, one of which recently had its water pump replaced.
“We’re still in need of new equipment,” said Ong, whose team, apart from fighting fires, also rescues trapped poultry and pets, captures snakes, removes beehives, delivers water to residents during water disruptions in Penang, and conducts annual fire drills, fire extinguisher training and safety talks.
According to records, the brigade handles about 30 to 40 emergency incidents annually across Penang Island and Seberang Perai, including fires, accidents and various disaster-related cases. During floods in Pahang, members of the brigade also travelled to the affected areas to take part in rescue operations, demonstrating a strong spirit of volunteerism.
Also present at the press conference were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Koay Gaik Kee, Bandar Baru Jelutong MPKK secretary Yeap Poh Looi, LBVFB adviser Datuk Tan Eng Leong and architect Ooi Sze Meng, who prepared the building plan on a pro bono basis.
Those interested in attending the fundraising dinner may contact Ong at 011-65685123 or 012-6989983.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud