THE Penang government will continue supporting Volunteer Fire and Rescue teams across the state, recognising their crucial role in assisting emergency response efforts and protecting communities during fires and other disasters.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang currently has 36 volunteer fire and rescue teams, forming a strong grassroots network that works closely with the Fire and Rescue Department.
“These volunteer teams are an important force on the ground. They provide valuable assistance to the Fire and Rescue Department whenever fires or other emergencies occur,” he told Buletin Mutiara after visiting the Permatang Pauh Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station as part of the ‘Jelajah CM’ series today.
To support their operations, Chow said the state government has maintained its annual contribution of RM10,000 to each volunteer fire team, a programme that has been implemented for several years.
He added that the state government also considers requests for additional allocations when teams require new vehicles, equipment or other operational upgrades.
“Whenever there are specific needs, we will assess the requests. In many cases, additional funding ranging from RM10,000 to RM30,000 may be provided depending on the requirements of the team concerned,” he said.
Chow noted that volunteer fire brigades often face financial constraints as the assistance provided through official channels is limited, making community support essential to their continued operations.
“As a result, many volunteer teams rely on donations from the public, local businesses and industries within their respective areas. Some also organise fundraising activities to sustain their operations and improve their equipment,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the volunteer firefighters for their commitment and dedication, noting that multiple teams frequently mobilise together during major incidents to provide additional manpower, vehicles and logistical support.
“Penang is fortunate to have a strong network of volunteer fire teams and their contribution has strengthened the state’s emergency response capabilities and enhanced public safety for all Penangites,” he said.
He added that the state would look into the possibility of imposing only a nominal charge on the Permatang Pauh Volunteer Fire and Rescue Team for the use of the facility after a proposal to reduce the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) rate was raised.
Meanwhile, Permatang Pauh Volunteer Fire and Rescue chairman Goh Soon Eik expressed hope that the state government would continue assisting volunteer fire units by upgrading their stations and improving basic infrastructure.
He said his brigade was looking forward to improvements to its centre, including repairs to the roof and the provision of better facilities to ensure a safer and more conducive operating environment for volunteers.
Goh also called on more young people to join volunteer fire brigades, saying the participation of younger generations is crucial to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the volunteer firefighting movement.
Earlier, Chow also visited several locations in Permatang Pauh, including an engagement session with traders and market-goers at the Sama Gagah Wet Market.
Speaking to reporters, he said the programme serves as a platform for the state leadership to engage directly with residents and gain a better understanding of issues affecting local communities.
Among the concerns raised during the visit were business conditions and licensing matters faced by some traders.
Chow said feedback received varied from location to location, adding that issues involving trading regulations would be referred to the relevant local authorities for further consideration.
Chow also took part in a short Zumba session with residents at the Sama Gagah basketball court and spent time mingling with the local community.
Joining Chow during the ‘Jelajah CM’ series were state Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik, who is also Bukit Tambun assemblyman, Zainal Abidin Saad, Special Officer to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Penang, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Ong Jing Cheng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian