Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman enlightened on the readiness of Kampong Ayer Fire and Rescue services, including boats, firefighting capacity, crew training, response times, operational coverage, asset expansion plans, maintenance, crew safety and inter-agency coordination for handling fires in Kampong Ayer at the First Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council (LegCo) session on Saturday.
This was in response to matters raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin.
Kampong Ayer is served by two fire stations – Sungai Kebun and Pelancaran, Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Stations, which are equipped with assets and personnel for emergency response.
Each station maintains a one-engine-per-station ratio for readiness, while fire boats in Kampong Ayer carry at least one portable pump.
Total assets for the area include two engines, five boats, five portable pumps, 137 hoses, and 22 nozzles. Daily inspections and regular fire drills ensure equipment readiness, according to the minister, while the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) sets the response time at 20 minutes. Training ensures optimum response, with adjustments made for tides and alternative water supply methods when water levels are low. On community involvement, the minister shared that local residents and community leaders are trained as first responders.
The Programme Lifesaver 995 has trained 195 participants since 2024 in basic fire response and safe equipment use. Firefighting equipment, including hoses and nozzles, has been supplied to key areas in Kampong Ayer.
Regarding infrastructure improvements, 30 fire hydrants have been replaced in strategic locations to ensure sufficient water supply during operations. Fire preparedness relies on asset and personnel readiness, training, community engagement, and inter-agency coordination.
The approach follows a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation model, emphasising shared responsibility between fire services, government agencies, and the local community.
Continuous evaluation aims to improve asset capacity, operational capabilities, infrastructure maintenance, and community awareness programmes to maintain high fire safety standards in Kampong Ayer.
The Kampong Ayer Fire and Rescue maintains strong readiness with well-equipped stations, fast response times, ongoing crew training, community involvement, and robust inter-agency coordination.
Continuous upgrades to assets, infrastructure, and training ensure comprehensive fire safety under a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach.
(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)
