THE Penang government, together with elected representative service centres, have donated a total of RM160,000 to the Paya Terubong Voluntary Fire Brigade Association today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said from the total amount donated, the state government contributed RM50,000.
“Meanwhile, Paya Terubong and Air Itam service centres donated RM30,000 each while the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary service centre chipped in RM50,000.
“The donation is to help the association conduct repair works involving the roof, gate and other parts of the station that were crushed by fallen trees due to the heavy rain and thunderstorms on June 1.
“I was told that the estimated cost of the repair works is around RM250,000.
“I hope that the donation could assist in the repair works.
“The donation given today also shows that the state government and representatives care and truly appreciate the services and sacrifices of the voluntary fire brigades in Penang.
“At the same time, I hope more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and companies will step forward to assist the Paya Terubong Voluntary Fire Brigade Association in the repair works since the repair fund is still not enough,” Chow said in his speech during the mock cheque handover ceremony at the fire station today.
Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Senator Lim Hui Ying and Paya Terubong Voluntary Fire Brigade Association chairman Cheah Kok Beng.
Cheah expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Penang government and elected representatives for their valuable contribution to the Paya Terubong Voluntary Fire Brigade Association.
“As of now, we need another RM90,000 before we can start the repair works and hopefully more donations will come in from NGOs and good Samaritans.
“We need to repair the damaged parts of the fire station as soon as possible so that we can serve the Paya Terubong and Air Itam areas effectively in case of emergency,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis