Liwan (third right) and Ugak (second right) at Uma Kahei.
KAPIT: The government has been called on to set up a fire station in Belaga.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said this is necessary because of the growing population in the district.
“The presence of Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) is very important in the event of a fire outbreak to save property and human lives,” he said during a visit to Uma Kahei in Long Mekero, which lost seven of its 103 doors to a fire on Friday.
He praised Bomba for setting up a volunteer firefighting squad in the village, which helped to stop the fire from spreading further.
Ugak said the government should work to set up similar units at every longhouse.
“All the longhouses and kampungs in Hulu Rajang constituency are far in the remote interior. In the event of fire, there’s no way to enlist Bomba’s service. But if there are properly-trained volunteer firefighting squads armed with basic firefighting equipment, at least they could prevent the fire from spreading,” he said.
He visited the 28 fire victims to assess their needs together with Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage Liwan Lagang, who is Belaga assemblyman.
“The government through the Welfare Department has sent in immediate aid in the form of food and cooking utensils followed by financial aid to help them reconstruct their bilik. All this aid comes from the BN (Barisan Nasional) government,” added Ugak.
“There is no sign of the opposition. They are only good at lip service but do nothing to help the people in times of need. Just before the election, they will appear like mushrooms to criticise and belittle the government. ”