Sibu: The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has requested assistance from the Sarawak government to build three new fire and rescue stations along the Pan Borneo Highway to ensure faster response times in handling road accidents. Its director, Jamri Masran, said they had prepared a proposal to construct Category D fire stations and will submit it to the Sarawak government for further action.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jamri emphasized that the presence of fire stations along the highway would enable the fire department to respond swiftly to any road accident, thereby allowing rescue operations to be carried out more quickly and efficiently. He mentioned this during the Ramadan iftar event at the Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station last night.

Jamri noted that the procurement process for Category D stations is simpler and faster, with the possibility of converting a shop lot into a fire station under this category. He expressed hope that the Sarawak government would provide prompt assistance for this initiative, adding that the department is currently identifying suitable sites for the three new stations.

In a related development, Jamri revealed that two Category C fire and rescue stations are set to be constructed in Engkili in Sri Aman and Dalat in Mukah, with each project costing over RM5 million and expected to begin early next year. Also present at the breaking fast event were Zone 4 Sibu chief Andy Alie and Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Department chief Mutalif Ja’afar.