DAP Serian rejects minister’s claim Tebedu fire station ‘not urgent’

KUCHING (Feb 26): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Serian has rejected Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming’s assertion that a fire station in Tebedu is “not urgent”.

DAP Serian committee member Brolin Nicholsion, special assistant to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, said the current Serian fire station covers a vast area, including Serian town and parts of Siburan and Balai Ringin.

“This coverage is extensive, and in emergencies, response time is critical.

“Every additional kilometre travelled could mean the difference between containment and catastrophe,” he said, responding to Nga’s recent remarks that Tebedu was “adequately covered” by the Serian fire station.

Brolin noted that several villages, including Kampung Daha, Engkoroh and Rimangan, are located far from the existing facility.

Poor road conditions and long distances could delay emergency response in cases of fire, road accidents, floods or other disasters.

“In this context, a fire station in Tebedu is not redundant ― it is a necessity,” he said, adding that a new facility would improve response times, enhance rural safety, provide faster aid during cross-border incidents and highway emergencies, and strengthen disaster preparedness.

He stressed that public safety infrastructure should take into account not only population density but also geographical spread, accessibility and risk exposure.

“Our rural communities deserve equal protection and timely emergency response.

“A fire station closer to these villages would provide reassurance, security and potentially save lives and property,” he added.

In a parliamentary reply to Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem on Wednesday, Nga said fire station construction was guided by the Fire Cover Analysis and emergency statistics over the past five years.

“Tebedu scored 17 points on the risk assessment scale, classified as low risk, making immediate construction less pressing,” said Nga.