KUCHING: Naim Group of Companies’ voluntary firefighting team is on high alert in view of the current hot weather and the increased risk of bushfires in Miri.
Formed over 20 years ago and comprised of volunteers, the team has actively assisted the authorities in fighting bushfires at Miri’s Kuala Baram area.
Naim’s regional general manager for Miri, Alice Ting said the group took to heart the advice by authorities, in particular Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin who has been very proactive in matters relating to the prevention and containment of Miri’s bushfires.
“Our team was formed as part of the group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Currently, our team has 10 volunteer firefighters who have been trained in basic firefighting skills and the team is also equipped with basic firefighting equipment to assist authorities in fighting fire where required,” she said.
She added that the team conducted patrols at their sites and surrounding areas in an effort to spot bushfire incidences.
She said the frequency of patrols was increased during the dry season due to the high possibility of bushfires.
“Currently, we conduct three patrols daily. Besides patrols, we use a drone to monitor the sites. In fact, we are going to purchase a higher-spec surveillance drone soon to facilitate such monitoring,” said Ting.
With this new drone, she said they would be able to view what is happening on the ground in real time with more accuracy and respond efficiently.
“This will add great value to our operations, especially in terms of emergency responses,” she said.
She added that the group had also embarked on other initiatives such as the construction of fire breakers at their sites to prevent the spread of bushfires as well as displaying signages at their sites to prohibit trespassing and open burnings.
“We will continue to be vigilant and remain committed in helping the authorities address this concern,” Ting said.
