Accelerate the construction of the Smoke River BBP

BELAGA, Sept. 16: Construction of the Smoke River Bombing and Rescue Hall (BBP) should be accelerated to ensure that emergency response time for residents in the area can be shortened.

Deputy Minister of Digital embraced Hulu Rajang MP, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said the distance and travel time factors should be taken into consideration to ensure that people in rural areas get effective emergency services.

"When there's an emergency, time is life. If we can speed up a project for the benefit of the people, why should we slow it down?" he said during his speech at the Belaga BBP inaugural meeting here today.

He also urged the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to make construction of Sungai Asap BBP a priority and resolve issues related to the project through cooperation between the ministries and relevant departments.

According to him, the existence of BBP Belaga is not only providing a building for members of the bomb squad but also an important safety stronghold for the residents of the district and surrounding areas.

"There is no gap between the city and the countryside. Not because we are far from the administrative centre, we are considered far from the attention of the Government", he said.

Wilson said the development of security facilities must go hand-in-hand with other developments to ensure that rural communities also enjoy the benefits of government services.

In the meantime, he announced his appreciation for the members of the bomb squad who are always at risk while carrying out life-saving duties.

He described BBP Belaga as a 'home to the people rescuers' and thus played an important role in ensuring the safety of local communities.

The inauguration ceremony was also accompanied by a bombing exhibition, children's coloring competition and a bombing demonstration that received the local community.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Director General (Development) of JBPM, Datuk Nazili Mahmood, Sarawak JBPM Director Jamri Masran; Deputy Resident Kapit, Robert Liman Deli and Belaga Regional Officer, Bidah Lujah.

As a symbol of the inauguration, Wilson also planted trees in the backyard of BBP Belaga as a sign of hope that the hall will continue to be an incentive to safety and bombing services for local communities.