SEMPORNA: Malaysia’s first floating fire station, located at the district's tourist jetty begins operations today.
The facility, built at a cost of RM200,000, is expected to speed up response time in the event of fire and other emergencies.
Sabah Fire and Rescue department director Kamarulzaman Malik Abdullah said for the initial phase, the post would have three boats.
“It would operate with 20 personnel, who are locals, together with three supervisors and a station chief.
“The three main functions of the post are to put out fire, conduct search and rescue operations, and provide water ambulance facilities.
"We are expecting a bigger 'fire fighting' boat with three tonnes of capacity to be placed here,” he said at the document signing ceremony and handover of keys.
Present were Semporna district officer Benedict Asmat, deputy state Fire and Rescue department director Zuraidah Latip and district police chief Superintendent Sabarudin Rahmat.
"There are more than 10 water villages here. Should fire break out, it could cause fatalities and serious damage to properties.
"Therefore, the people of Semporna are thankful to the Housing and Local government Ministry for the allocation,” Benedict said.