The Penang government is calling for any voluntary fire brigade in the state with land issues to come forward and apply for the temporary occupation licence (TOL).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this is important so that they could set up a proper fire station to serve the community more effectively.
“In Penang, we have a total of 37 voluntary fire brigades and most of them do not have TOL.
“When they set up their centres or fire stations in open spaces and do not have the relevant approval, it will be difficult for them to apply for basic necessities for the station, such as water and electricity.
“They might also face some consequences from the authorities due to this issue.
“As the voluntary fire brigades are important, we have decided to implement a legalisation programme to enable them to obtain TOL from the district land office or the local councils.
“They just need to come forward and apply through the district land office or the local councils. And we will approve it as soon as possible.
“All of this shows that we care for the volunteer fire brigades in the state,” Chow said in this speech during the launching of the newly-renovated fire station at Taman Merak Jaya Voluntary Fire Brigade Association in Simpang Ampat near Nibong Tebal today.
Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, state Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Mohd Hafiz Hafizal Timaradin and Taman Merak Jaya Voluntary Fire Brigade Association adviser Goh Then Lai.
Then Lai said the renovation works of the fire station started in October last year and were completed in December the same year at a cost of about RM177,000.
“The renovation works included the office space, interior decoration, electrical and mechanical works.
“The fund to do the renovation works was mostly contributed by the public and the state elected representatives.
“I would like to thank all of them for their valuable contribution.
“With the newly-renovated fire station, we can store more equipment and machinery to carry out our duties more effectively,” he said.
During the same programme, Chow also announced an RM30,000 allocation for the Taman Merak Jaya Voluntary Fire Brigade Association.
“Such allocation shows that the state government cares and truly appreciates the services and sacrifices of the voluntary fire brigade in the state,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar