HPUC PRAISES FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR WORK DILIGENCE

Sandakan Bomba personnel demonstrate to HPUC’s Bryan Chang, Peter Soo and Chia Chee On how maintenance work is done

SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Municipal Council  Highway and Public Utilities Committee (HPUC) has praised the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department for their diligence in ensuring that fire-control facilities such as fire hydrants are always ready and functional in case of emergencies.

On behalf of HPUC Bryan Chang, Chia Chee On and Peter Soo expressed their appreciation after they accompanied firemen led by PBK I Johnny Yap  on an inspection and maintenance round of several areas in Sandakan. .

They covered the areas from Mile 3.5 to Mile 6 Jalan Utara including those around Yu Yuan Secondary School, Servay Supermarket, CS Chan furniture, Ocean King Seafood Restaurant, IJM shoplots and Utama Court.

The HPUC members expressed their dismay that, at a few places, culprits have vandalized the fire hydrants and thieves have stolen the metal caps and some steel parts.“Their irresponsible action have put the nearby community in grave danger should a fire occur. It could result in a delay in getting access to water. This could cause loss of lives in addition to destruction of properties because in putting out fires every second counts,” stressed Chang.

Chang called on the public to give their full cooperation to Fire and Rescue Department by helping to promptly report cases of damaged or vandalized fire hydrants and to report to the authorities if they see people damaging or stealing parts from hydrants. 

However, he acknowledged that hydrants could also be damaged by careless drivers. There is also the possibility that ground movement due to road repair works could result in blockage of a hydrant’s water chamber making it difficult to open.

“Although the firemen go about doing their job on a regular weekly schedule, there could be incidences of damage occurring before the next round of inspection. We therefore urge the public to report to the authorities should they come across damaged hydrants so that necessary action could be taken immediately,” added Chang.

Chang also reminded the public not to park their vehicles in such a way that will obstruct access to a hydrant.