GEORGE TOWN: More than 100 children with their parents celebrated Malaysia Day with a fire hydrant shower at the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Department here today.
The shower, symbolic of the celebration of Malaysia Day, was one the activities carried out during 'A Day with Bomba (Fire and Rescue) Penang 2.0' with the community.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar said this was the second time that the department had collaborated with the Fire Prevention Organisation, a Kuala Lumpur-based non-governmental organisation.
He said the response received this time was encouraging, attracting as many as 350 participants in total consisting of parents and their children.
"This is a positive sign that people are becoming aware of the importance and knowledge of fire prevention, especially if it happens at home.
"Overall, we have met the objective of this programme and we hope to organise similar events in the future with more activities for the benefit of the public," he said when met after the event.
Among the activities that were held during the programme include coloring contests, a talk on fire prevention, fire-extinguishing demonstration, machinery exhibition and safety procedures in high-rise buildings demonstration.
Lau Chor Hock, 41, from Air Itam, said he found out about the programme from the station's Facebook post and came as early as 8am.
"All the activities conducted were suitable for my wife and children, apart from raising awareness about fire prevention measures.
"One of them was on how fires cost lives and it can be avoided with knowledge and immediate preventive measures," he said.
Another visitor Mohamad Azlan Shajahan, 35, came with his wife and two children.
"All the activities being lined-up benefit all groups, especially parents, on knowledge about firefighting in the kitchen."