Bomba ready to deploy to quake-hit Japan

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SIBU: Fire and Rescue Services Department (Bomba) is set to deploy 20 personnel to help in the rescue efforts in quake-hit Japan, revealed its director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim yesterday.

PRIDE OF BOMBA: Wan Mohd (right) inspects the guard-of-honour, accompanied by Mutalib (second right).

He, however, said they were still awaiting clearance from Japan, adding that their men were well prepared and ready to be mobilised at the slightest notice for the rescue mission.

“Preparations are already in place and the 20-men team comprising mostly personnel from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur would be deployed to Japan as soon as we receive the green light from them (Japan),” he told The Borneo Post after a press conference at Sungai Merah station here.

He was here on a three-day working visit to Sarawak to get a clearer picture of problems, particularly those related to operations faced by fire stations in rural areas.

He said the team would work hand-in-hand with the members of Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART).

Wan Mohd said this when asked if the department would be sending personnel to participate in the international rescue effort in Japan.

Last Friday, a devastating earthquake, unleashing a 10-metre high tsunami left many people injured in coastal areas of the main Honshu Island and Tokyo.

The quake believed to be the largest ever in Japan, the fifth strongest tremor worldwide since 1900 and seventh strongest in history, according to the US Geological Survey and Japanese seismologists.

On local front, the director general gave assurance that their men were on a 24-hour alert and could respond to any emergencies.

He added: “Our men are ever ready and can be mobilised to help in any situation. If there is a need to alert people of any eventuality, we have the manpower to do so.”

Asked if staff leave had been frozen, he said they were monitoring the situation closely.

He pointed out that they were ready to take necessary measures should situation warrants them.

Asked on his advice to folks staying at the coastal areas, he reminded them to be aware of what was happening.

“Listen to announcements from the radio or television to keep posted on the development. I believe we have enough mechanism to alert people to move to higher grounds if the need arises,” he said.

Ealier, Wan Mohd inspected a full guard-of-honour, accompanied by Sibu Zone chief Abdul Mutalib Rashid.

A total of 28 personnel received their promotions while eight recipients were handed ‘Pingat Cemerlang Bomba’ and another received ‘Pingat Jasa Bomba’ for their gallantry.