THE Penang government has given RM50,000 aid to the Taman Sukun Voluntary Fire Brigade Association as part of its effort to build a fire station in its neighbourhood.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his hope that the contribution would at least help the association to build the fire station.
“I have been informed that the cost of building the fire station is RM350,000. There were a lot of corporations, kind-hearted donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who have contributed financial help to this cause.
“As there is still insufficient fund as of now, I hope more people can step forward to render their assistance as well.
“The contributions are greatly important for the association to serve the community.
“Immediate assistance can be rendered to the community in the event of any emergencies or fire incidents,” he said in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Taman Sukun voluntary fire station in Bukit Mertajam today.
Chow applauded the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for giving its fullest support by renting out the land at a cost of RM112 a year.
“This project will surely benefit the folk in the neighbourhood, especially during a fire incident.
“State Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh was assigned to assist with the Voluntary Fire Brigade Association’s operation since last year,” he said.
Bukit Mertajam Voluntary Fire Brigade Association chairman Datuk Lee See Nee thanked the state for lending a helping hand.
“We greatly appreciate the kind gesture, and hope to serve the community in any eventuality,” he said.
Among those present were Phee, assemblymen Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubok), Gooi Hsiao Leung (Bukit Tengah), Heng Lee Lee (Berapit) and Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun), state Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Mohd Hafiz Hafizal Timaradin, state Fire and Rescue Department senior officer Yuhannas Faizal Othman and Bukit Mertajam Fire and Rescue Department head Mohamad Syahir Samsudin.
Also at the ceremony were Taman Sukun Voluntary Fire Brigade Association Construction committee chairman Loh Choon Chuan, and Taman Sukun Voluntary Fire Brigade Association chairman Loh Soon Lee.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad