Sunday, April 10, 2016
THE minister of home affairs urged members of the Fire and Rescue Department to be more vigilant and ready to face any challenges, especially with the ongoing increase in emergency cases in the country.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awang Abu Bakar Apong was speaking at the 56th anniversary celebration of the Fire and Rescue Department yesterday.
He shared that the Fire and Rescue Department has handled 5066 emergency cases in 2015, with 116 of them being fire incidents involving houses and buildings.
There has been a rise of 15.42 per cent in emergency cases from 2014, and 56.15 per cent from 2013, said the minister.
Considering the figures, the minister highlighted the rising demand for fire and rescue services, compelling members of the department to be more ready and strive to equip themselves with knowledge and skills needed to handle complex and unpredictable situations.
The minister also noted that the rising number of cases sparked the need for the public to take on a bigger role in fire prevention efforts.
He spoke of how members of the public are often the “first responders” by helping to contain the fire from spreading prior to the arrival of firefighters at the scene.
“This has proven that members of the public are becoming more experienced and knowledgeable in fire extinguishing procedures, a result of the public programmes conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department,” he said.
With this in mind, he urged for more members of the public to be included in any public programmes conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department. These include fire drills and evacuation training, aside from just promoting fire safety awareness.
Yesterday’s ceremony began with the minister inspecting the line-up of parade members, consisting of 60 officers and staff of the Fire and Rescue Department.
The minister was then ushered to the multi-purpose hall at the headquarters where he toured the exhibition organised for the Fire and Rescue Department’s 55th anniversary.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awang Abu Bakar Apong (2nd R) observes the exhibits while being accompanied by Fire and Rescue Department Director, Yahya Hj Abd Rahman (R) yesterday during the department’s 56th anniversary celebration held at its headquarters in Old Airport, Berakas. Picture: BT/Zaim Kasmat
A total of 45 officers and 4 personnel of the department were then feted for their exemplary services in their line of duties.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong (L) awards fire and rescue officers and personnel for their exemplary services yesterday. Picture: BT/ Zaim Kasmat
Fire stations nationwide were also feted for their exemplary performances in terms of operational, technical, training schemes, as well as administration and finance.
The Sungai Liang Industrial Park Fire Station was the overall champion for the award, acing the operational, technical as well as administration and financial aspect of its management.
Also present was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Hj Mohd ‘Abdoh Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Salam.
Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong (seated C), Fire and Rescue Department Director, Yahya Hj Abd Rahman (seated 6th L) along with Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs, senior officials and personnels in a group photo yesterday during the department’s 56th anniversary celebration held at its headquarters in Old Airport, Berakas. Picture: BT/Zaim Kasmat
The Brunei Times
