Tunjong: The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has proposed building a new fire station in Chiku, Gua Musang, to enhance rescue operations along the high-risk Gua Musang-Kuala Krai route. Kelantan JBPM director Farhan Sufyan Borhan said the proposal, submitted for next year’s planning, targets Chiku’s strategic location along the 117-kilometre stretch and aims to reduce emergency response times significantly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Farhan highlighted the urgency of the proposal, citing the recent UPSI student bus crash on the Jeli-Gerik road as a learning experience. He expressed concerns about the accident risks on the Gua Musang-Kuala Krai route, which is frequently used by travellers heading to Kota Bharu. Farhan emphasized that if accidents occur near Chiku or Galas, the nearest stations in Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, or Dabong face lengthy travel times, delaying rescue efforts.

Farhan pointed out that despite Chiku’s low population density and moderate development, it remains a key route with significant accident risks. Currently, the area lacks volunteer firefighter teams and relies entirely on distant stations. He mentioned that the proposal has been submitted at the highest levels before and is being resubmitted this year in hopes of securing government approval.

“If approved, it will be Kelantan’s 23rd fire station, playing a crucial role in strengthening JBPM’s emergency readiness and community protection,” Farhan stated. He also added that JBPM Kelantan will continue to identify other high-risk areas needing fire stations to safeguard public safety.