THE Penang government has announced a special allocation of RM370,000 to voluntary fire brigade associations in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said currently there are a total of 37 voluntary fire brigade associations in all five districts in Penang.
“So, each of the voluntary fire brigade associations will receive RM10,000 from the state government.
“We realise that most of the members from voluntary fire brigade associations have their own occupation but still, your commitment to your job or occupation did not keep you from serving as volunteers and members of the voluntary fire brigade.
“This is the true spirit of volunteerism. You are the unsung heroes who soldiered on without seeking anything in return.
“And we hope with this small contribution from us tonight, it can help voluntary fire brigade associations in the state to continue providing its excellent services to the community, especially in terms of operations or rescue missions,” Chow said in his speech during a special appreciation dinner for all voluntary fire brigade associations in the state at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya today.
Also present were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee and Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar.
Chow also thanked the voluntary firemen for their sacrifices and contributions to society.
He praised them for always responding to fire cases, special services, humanitarian aid, assistance in cases involving ambulances and disaster relief to prevent fire or property destruction due to fire.
What makes him even more proud is that some of them also do not only provide aid in Penang but also in other states as well.
The previous missions included flood incidents in Kelantan, Selangor, Kedah, Johor and other parts of Malaysia.
Some of them were also involved in humanitarian aid abroad such as the major flood operations in Thailand and the earthquake in Nepal.
He urged them to keep up their good work and let the state government know if they need anything as their valuable contribution is recognised.
Meanwhile, Nga said the current administration of the Federal Government cares about the welfare of voluntary firemen.
“This is proven when the Local Government Development Ministry has increased the allowance of voluntary fire brigade association from RM1,500 to RM3,000 this year.
“This year also, my ministry has allocated a total of RM900,000 to provide important equipment such as firefighting helmets, gloves and others to all voluntary fire brigade associations in the country. This is important so that they can operate effectively when carrying out any operation.
“At the same time, we also announced a free insurance coverage scheme for every active members of voluntary fire brigade with a total allocation of RM600,000 this year.
“All this shows that the current Federal Government appreciates your valuable contributions towards the community,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat