BENTA FIRE AND RESCUE STATION TO BENEFIT 30,000 RESIDENTS

LIPIS, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- The construction of the RM4.5 million Benta Fire and Rescue Station (BPP), which is expected to be completed in 18 months will benefit 30,000 residents, said Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

He said the construction of the station was necessary to overcome emergency problems as the nearest one is about 30 kilometres away.

"If there is an emergency, help can be provided quickly to residents in the Benta area. Previously, it took 30 minutes for the fire brigade to arrive, but with the presence of BBP Benta, it can be shortened to just a few minutes," he said.

bootstrap slideshow

He said this at a press conference after the Benta BBP groundbreaking ceremony here today which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman ​​Athirah Sabu and Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad.

Wan Rosdy said the Benta BBP project also involved the construction of quarters for the staff.

Meanwhile, Pahang Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, who is Benta Assemblyman, said the construction of the Benta BBP would not only benefit residents in Benta but also the surrounding areas.

bootstrap slideshow

"It will also assist the Raub and Lipis BBP in rescue operations not only during flood and fire disasters but also accidents on the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) route," he added.

The Benta BBP is a category D fire station construction project on a 3,022-hectare site. It will be equipped with a machinery room, parade ground and tower, logistics store and other facilities.

It will operate with a strength of 28 fire officers led by the KB3 Grade Station Chief.

Construction work is scheduled to start on Oct 23 next year. When completed, it will be the 31st BBP in Pahang after the completion of the Sungai Lembing BBP and Goh Tong Jaya BBP construction projects.

-- BERNAMA