PUTRAJAYA, Jan 19 — The services of the Fire and Rescue Department are urgently required to clean up the bauxite-tainted areas in Kuantan, Pahang, said Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

“We are in a critical situation because the residents are angry with the pollution caused by illegal lorries transporting bauxite to the port and want the areas to be cleaned fast,” he said, defending the rationale of the cleaning operations by firemen which is being disputed by some.

“The cleaning operations are part of the Fire and Rescue Department’s efforts to help and serve the people.

“Moreover, they also have all the equipment and high-powered machinery to carry out the cleaning operations, so it’s no big deal,” he told reporters after handing over fire-fighting vehicles and equipment, here, today.

Others involved in the cleaning-up are the Kuantan Municipal Council, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).

On the cleaning costs, Abdul Rahman said they were now working to identify the companies involved, including the owners of the lorries carrying the bauxite.

“If they are legitimate companies, then it is easy for us to deliver the bills, but if they are illegal ones it will take time to do so,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department today received five amphibious rigid inflatable boats that can be used in water, and shallow and hilly areas.

The department also received 47 utility 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicles, eight amphibious all-terrain vehicles (AATV) and other rescue equipment.

On the hot and dry spell prevailing in the country now and which is expected to last until March, Abdul Rahman said the department was now preparing for the possibility of fire outbreaks due to extreme temperatures. — Bernama