Over 60 fire stations in poor condition, nationwide

The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry has identified more than 60 fire stations in dilapidated conditions, which require upgrading and reconstruction at new locations throughout the country.

Its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said most of the fire stations were old or located in shop buildings that were no longer suitable due to the rapid growth of the area.

“Most were built before the towns or areas were developed, so with these places now developed and the population increased, we should review the suitability of the locations (of the fire stations).

"So far the ministry has identified more than 60 fire stations to be removed from the shop building areas and to be rebuilt in new places within five years," she said.

Zuraida said this at a press conference after officiating the opening of the Bukit Angin Fire and Rescue Station in Temerloh, Pahang, today. The fire station, costing RM14 million, was completed on Sept 13, 2013.

Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Mohamad Mentek, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Mohamad Hamdan Wahid, the department’s Pahang director Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin and Temerloh MP Anuar Tahir.

Zuraida said those were among 240 new fire stations to be built in stages within the time frame to further strengthen the Fire and Rescue Department in order to face increasingly challenging tasks.

“To date, a total of 44 new fire stations are under construction nationwide, in which 27 will be completed this year, 11 are scheduled to be completed next year and six more stations in 2020. The estimated cost for each station is RM14 million.

“Currently, the department has 290 fire stations nationwide, with a strength of 14,000 personnel,” she added.

Zuraida said the ministry would also strengthen the capacity of volunteer firefighters throughout the country as the early response team for rescue and firefighting at the scene before the arrival of the Fire Department team.

- Bernama