Sibu: The Federal Government should strengthen Sibu’s firefighting capabilities by upgrading equipment, infrastructure and operational resources following a major fire that destroyed 10 shophouses along Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, said Sibu MP Oscar Ling.
Ling said the incident highlighted the need for the government to review whether Sibu’s current firefighting capacity is sufficient to support the city’s rapid development.
He said firefighters faced challenges during the operation, including insufficient water pressure, which affected firefighting efficiency and exposed weaknesses in the city’s supporting infrastructure.
Ling said he had immediately raised the matter with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, urging the Federal Government to prioritise Sibu in future allocations for fire and rescue services.
He called for funding under upcoming national budgets and development plans to upgrade the Sibu Fire and Rescue Department, including the purchase of aerial ladder trucks, hydraulic platform vehicles and other modern firefighting equipment.
“As Sibu continues to develop, with more high-rise residential and commercial buildings being constructed, firefighting capabilities must also advance to meet new challenges,” he said.
Ling stressed that modern urban firefighting cannot rely only on conventional fire engines, as specialised equipment is essential for effective rescue operations, particularly during high-rise emergencies.
He also urged improvements to Sibu’s fire hydrant network and water pressure system to ensure firefighters have adequate resources during major incidents.
“As a key township and service centre of Sarawak’s Central Region, Sibu deserves a firefighting system that reflects its importance,” Ling said.
He added that investment in public safety infrastructure must keep pace with urban growth to better protect residents, businesses and frontline emergency personnel.
Ling also commended Bomba personnel, police, medical teams and volunteer responders for their efforts in containing the blaze and preventing further destruction.
The fire, which broke out in the commercial area along Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, caused substantial losses to businesses, but no casualties were reported.
