Kota Baharu: The Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department has commended media practitioners for taking risks when covering firemen in rescue and fire-fighting operations.

Its director, Azmi Osman cited a diesel tank explosion in Pengkalan Chepa on Nov 4 where reporters and photographers came to the aid of 10 firemen who were injured as flames shot out in their path.

"We are very impressed by the courage, determination and perseverance shown by journalists and photographers who helped attend to the injured personnel.

"We believe that journalists are not only after news for the community, but also willing to face a variety of risks," he said at a dinner themed ‘Jasamu Dikenang, Budi Disanjung' (Your Deeds Are Remembered, Kindness Admired), here on Saturday night.

Four of the 10 firemen were seriously injured in the incident as they fought a blaze at a tyre factory that was no longer in operation at the Pengkalan Chepa industrial estate.

Meanwhile, Azmi said he was satisfied with the department's achievements this year and hoped it would be further enhanced.

He said the total value of losses of property due to fire decreased to RM18.6 million until November this year compared to RM21.3 million in the corresponding period last year while the total value of property saved was RM1 billion.

"However, the number of emergency calls increased by 12 per cent while fire calls increased by 18 per cent during the same period," he said.

--Courtesy of New Sabah Times