LETTERS: I fully agree with the move by the Fire and Rescue Department to seek better salaries and terms of service for the 12,000 firemen and auxiliary firemen, as announced by its Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad recently.
The firemen never fail to serve us and therefore we must not fail them. They deserve our fullest support.
Firefighters and rescue workers regularly face significant risks and dangers. They often put their own lives on the line in order to save others from fires, collapsed buildings, floods, hazardous materials, landslides, road crashes and other emergencies.
In the most recent case, three firemen got electrocuted when attending to a house fire in Skudai, Johor.
Night and day, day and night, they are at the beck and call of anybody facing life-threatening situations. They are even called to catch reptiles from homes.
Becoming a firefighter or rescue worker requires extensive training and ongoing education to handle a wide range of emergencies effectively. They must possess specialised skills in firefighting techniques, latest technologies, and even be proficient in medical response.
They must be ready to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They work long shifts, often under challenging conditions, including extreme weather, holidays, festive occasions, and weekends.
When they receive a distress call, they drop everything and head for the disaster scene.
They must be physically fit to handle strenuous tasks such as carrying heavy equipment, climbing ladders, and performing rescues in hazardous environments.
Moreover, they often witness traumatic events and face emotional stress while dealing with life-threatening situations.
By recognising the risks, skills, sacrifices and contributions of firefighters and rescue workers, it is evident that they deserve better pay, allowances and other considerations as a testament to their vital role in safeguarding communities and saving lives.
I sincerely hope that the Government will give favourable consideration to the legitimate request for increase in allowances by our dedicated fire fighters serving all 337 fire stations nationwide round the clock. Their allowances have not been renewed for the past 17 years.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance For A Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
