KOTA KINABALU: Media Prima Bhd today presented RM26,000 worth of relief items to ease the burden of firefighters who are working round-the-clock to put out fires in Sabah’s forest reserves.
Sabah New Straits Times Press branch manager Roy Goh presented the food and drink aid to state Fire and Rescue Department director Nordin Pauzi at the department’s headquarters, here.
The money, which was raised through the NSTP-Media Prima Bhd Disaster Fund, is aimed at providing food and drink aid to firefighters involved in the operations to put out bush and forest fires caused by the dry spell.
GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Giant) also assisted Media Prima in the event.
In extending his appreciation, Nordin said the contribution would boost the team’s spirit to continue providing excellent service and perform their duties as well as responsibilities properly.
At the moment, said Nordin, about 200 firefighters from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan were deployed to several major fire locations in the Beaufort and Papar districts. They were assisted by 200 Forestry Department personnel.
“For the time being, forest fires are under control because of the rainfall. However, I have instructed all officers in the field to be on standby.
“Thus far, since January, the department has recorded about 3,000 open burning cases throughout the state... we will immediately respond to emergency calls.”
Throughout the operations to put out forest fire, said Nordin, several firemen had sustained minor injuries while trying to escape from fallen trees.
“Fortunately, none of our men has suffered from heat stroke and we will make sure that they have enough rest,” he said.