DEMONSTRATING THE WAY: Hazmat members at the emergency drill showing how they deal with hazardous materials. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING: The state’s first 28-member Hazmat (Hazardous Material Team) under the Fire and Rescue Department has successfully completed their two-week training.
The team will be attached to Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station to be near to Samajaya Industrial Park, said State Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohamad yesterday.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the premises of F&N Beverages Manufacturing Sdn Bhd here, he said the team would play a complimentary role with other teams to provide better service to the people.
Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operation) Datuk Mahadi Md Ali, who was the guest of honour, said more Fire and Rescue Department personnel would be trained as Hazmat members.
He pointed out that the government had decided to set up the team following the explosion in Sungai Buloh, Selangor in 1991 which killed 26 people and injured 83.
And today, almost every state has been equipped with at least one Hazmat vehicle costing about RM2.42 million each, he said.
“Hopefully, by end of this year, one more Hazmat vehicle will be placed in Bintulu.”
He also urged industry players dealing with hazardous material to have an emergency action plan and should not rely solely on Fire and Rescue Department.
Mahadi later explained at the press conference the need to have Hazmat vehicle in Bintulu as the area is being developed to be a heavy industrial park under Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“Bintulu will have a petrochemical industry. We give priority to areas where the industry handles petrol-related materials such as in Kerteh (Terengganu).
“We will train Hazmat members in Bintulu only after we receive the vehicle. Usually, one team will have 33 members which are divided into three groups.”
The department would train more personnel to meet the target of 495 Hazmat members nationwide, Mahadi said.
The country so far has 302 Hazmat personnel, he said, adding that each member would be given RM100 allowance as incentive for being involving in risky duty.