Building the public’s confidence

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 08:59

TANGKAK: The Fire Services and Rescue Department heads in Johor, have been urged to organise activities with local community leaders to foster closer relations.

State Unity, Human Resources, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman M. Asojan said this would also instill the people’s confidence towards the department.

Speaking to community leaders in Bukit Gambir here, he said it was important for the people to regard the firemen as part of their community.

“We want the residents and the firemen, including department heads, to be like one family.

“This will also curb the incidences of prank calls as there are people who like to make false calls to the departments,” he said during a visit to the newly built RM8.8mil fire station in Bukit Gambir recently.

Asojan said the departments should also organise trainings related to firefighting with the local leaders, and non-governmental organisations in their areas.

He said the leaders should know what to do when a fire breaks out and how to help control situation before the firemen arrive.

He also thanked the Government, including Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, for setting a fire station in his constituency.

Meanwhile, Bukit Gambir fire station chief Mohd Shazarul Afidz Mohd Khairuddin said the station housed 17 personnel, including a station chief and a deputy chief.

He said although the station was yet to be officially opened, the department decided to start operation on Dec 15 last year to provide services to the people.

“We cover an area about 35km radius and respond to calls as far

as Lenga, Gombang, Liang Batu, Bukit Serampang, Kampung Baru Teratai, Panchor, Pagoh and Sungai Mati.

“We pledge to give our best in serving the people, including answering to special calls like saving trapped pets or catching snakes,” he added.

From The Star