REALISING the importance of a voluntary fire brigade, the Penang government has assisted Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade Association to buy a new fire truck.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present to officiate the new fire truck, said the state government is well aware of the constraints faced by the voluntary fire brigade over the years.
“Previously, it only had one fire truck with 1,200 litres water tank and has been in operation for more than 20 years.
“With about 150 volunteers at Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade Association, it will be very dangerous if this team continues to use the old machinery while conducting operations or any rescue missions.
“Hence, the state government has contributed RM30,000 to the voluntary fire brigade here to buy the new fire truck.
“At the same time, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim has also donated RM10,000 while Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee has given out RM5,000 allocation for that purpose.
“The state government cares and truly appreciates the services and sacrifices of the volunteers,” said Chow during the ceremony held at the Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade Association in Taman Mutiara Indah, Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Heng, Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar and Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade Association squad captain Gordon Lim Kiea Hean.
Lim expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Penang government, elected representatives and good Samaritans who helped the Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade Association to buy the new fire truck.
“The cost of the new fire truck is about RM80,000.
“We started applying for financial assistance from the state government in December last year and we received the fund in February this year.
“We also received some donations from the public and the total collection enabled us to purchase the new fire truck.
“The new fire truck that was imported from Japan can contain 900 litres of water.
“This is a much-needed boost for us. Now, with the two fire trucks, they will help us to carry out our duties in emergency and rescue missions,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis