CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the Bukit Bendera, Air Itam Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association for providing 20 years of invaluable services to society.
Speaking at the association’s 20th Anniversary cum Fundraising Gala Dinner at the Lim Lean Teng Hall in SMJKC Han Chiang tonight, Chow said he valued all the sacrifices and dedicated services by all its members to ensure the safety and well-being of the people in the state all this while.
“Since the association was formed in 2002, its members have helped to prevent fire or destruction of property due to fire and always take risks to serve the community.
“The members are always responsible for responding to fire cases, special services, humanitarian aid, assistance in cases involving ambulances and disaster relief to prevent fire or property destruction due to fire.
“They not only provide aid in Penang but also during the flood incidents in Kelantan, Selangor, Kedah, Johor and other parts of Malaysia. They were even involved in humanitarian aid abroad such as the major flood operation in Thailand and the earthquake in Nepal.
“With a membership of 185 people, including management, this team is able to carry out its duties voluntarily in order to take care of the people who live in Bukit Bendera in particular and Penang in general.
“The state government will always prioritise the welfare of the people. Therefore, I am happy to see the establishment of a team of volunteers from various fields who show the willingness and spirit to take risks to serve the community,” Chow said in his speech.
Chow also pledged a donation of RM10,000 to the association for it to continue serving the people or purchasing equipment.
On an appeal by organising chairman Teoh Chuan Piau for a suitable site to house the association, fire trucks and ambulances, Chow responded by instructing state representatives and local councillors in the area to work with the association and look for a proper site.
He added that the state government had instructed the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) to approve applications for temporary land use for voluntary fire brigades two years ago.
On top of that, he said the state government had also allocated RM10,000 each to 38 voluntary fire brigades in the state in appreciation of their efforts and contributions last year.
Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, who were also present, commended the Bukit Bendera, Air Itam voluntary firemen for playing an important role in serving the community.
They said they were proud of them for being quick to respond to emergency calls to help the residents which was an inspiration to the people.
Teoh thanked the Penang Rescue and Fire Department and the Penang Hospital for helping to provide training to the association’s members.
Also present at the anniversary dinner were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Moktar, Penang Hospital Emergency and Trauma Department specialist Dr Leong Yuen Chin, medical adviser Dr Suaran Singh and Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Cheok Lay Leng.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chew En