Kota Kinabalu: New Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Director, Mohd Pisar Aziz, said incidents like the recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor – which saw hundreds of residents require medical treatment amid significant property damage – could happen in Sabah.
Hence, his primary focus would be on enhancing the department’s disaster preparedness to address potential emergencies in the State, he said.
He said the department is committed to improving its response capabilities by engaging with relevant agencies and conducting emergency drills to identify safety measures suitable for the State.
Pisar also stressed the importance of taking appropriate actions and precautions to address such risks.
“As for preventive or safety measures, we may need to engage with specific parties and hold training sessions to identify the most suitable safety and preventive actions at the State level,” he said.
On earthquake preparedness, Pisar said they need to get the latest information from the Meteorological Department.
“Typically, in the case of earthquakes, this involves evacuating affected residents or victims to a safe location.
“We need to identify areas that are likely to be impacted and assess the conditions to ensure that the evacuation process is systematic and appropriate for relocating residents from the affected area,” he said.
Pisar also addressed the issue of mental stress experienced by firefighters, particularly younger officers.
He said firefighters have strong intentions to carry out their duties and feel a great deal of pressure and when unable to perform their tasks well often experience significant stress.
“To address this, the most appropriate approach is to return to the basics in practising our religion, where they must have strong faith in the help and assistance from God.
“This foundational belief is essential for instilling resilience and mental strength among fire personnel when fulfilling their responsibilities. Other than fostering a supportive relationship between officers at the station level and within the department.
He said senior officers should provide guidance and support, particularly to younger firefighters who may need it.
On another question regarding officers’ health, Pisar said, their top management must place significant emphasis on ensuring that firefighters engage in activities that can improve their fitness.
“This is crucial to help them perform their duties as frontliners, ensuring that their responsibilities are carried out effectively while maintaining a balance with the functions of the department,” he said.
In another development, regarding logistics, Pisar said it is regularly monitored at the headquarters, and so far, it has met the required quantity and is in an ideal condition.
For the record, a new Fire and Rescue Station is being built in Telupid and an existing building in Sepanggar had been purchased for the establishment of a new station.
