Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the cadets should also have a clear conscience when joining the movement, rather than be motivated by their attractive uniforms.

"By joining the cadet movement, you should have pledged to serve the community with full sincerity and be ready to strenghen yourself mentally and physically, " he said.

He was speaking at the closing of a four-day state-level school cadet firefighter camp at the Fire & Rescue Department headquarters here on Sunday.

Observing the closing pareade, he said that a number of the cadets apparently were unable to withstand tough situations, especially during foot-drills under the hot sun.

"Some of you seem to be looking for fans to cool yourself when the drill was actually meant to test your strength under enduring situations, " he added.

Instead of seeking comfort, Tiong urged the participants to take the situation as a challenge towards making them tougher to fulfil the basic requirement of becoming established firefighters and rescuers of the future.

Such training at a younger age possible would definitely remain relevant even if they chose other careers when they grew up.

He cited his own experience as a member of the Malaysia Red Crescent Society in his school days and was not exempted from undergoing gruelling drills that had shaped him up to "weather challenges" in his political career.

"Sleeping shorter hours and waking up to start my work as early as 2am to visit my constituents would have not been possible if not for a tough training that I had gone through," he said.

To motivate the cadets to  be active in their movements, Tiong also announced a grant of RM5000 for the Bintulu Zone Cadet Firefighters.