MIRI: Age is not an issue for an 80 year-old Tuai Rumah (TR) Duat Kalom to take part in the ‘Summer Camp 2018’ programme, which aimed to enhance knowledge in managing fire outbreaks or other emergencies.
The longhouse’s chief, when met yesterday at the closing of the three-day programme held at Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club, said this was his first participation in such an event.
“For me, it helped to enlighten my perspective and knowledge on dealing with emergencies such as fire outbreaks,” he said.
TR Duat had served in a para-military force, known as the Sarawak Rangers back in the 1960’s.
In the event, he was named as ‘The Most Active’ participant for the programme.
“Through this programme, it has helped in exposing me to various scenarios,” he said. TR Duat was among the 50 participants (longhouse chiefs) from five constituencies, namely Bekenu, Lambir, Marudi, Telang Usan, and Mulu in the Northern region took part in the event, which was organised by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) Sarawak Oil Asset Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Bomba Director-General Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, lauded efforts made by Petronas for the collaboration with Bomba in creating more awareness on fire safety and how to manage them.
“Since the programme’s inception in 2014, we have trained 300 participants in order to inculcate their knowledge on fire safety aspects, and the target groups are those residing in the interior areas,” said Mohammad Hamdan during the closing ceremony of the programme.
He further disclosed that the programme is the best platform for people to get emergency response skills to be able to help their community.
He added that with the state’s topographical condition with some parts of longhouses located within remote areas, it will save the Bomba’s response time by having the community trained in handling fire outbreaks.
Mohammad Hamdan was pleased with the overwhelming response received from people’s participation.
On another note, he disclosed that they were also looking into fire safety aspects in longhouses.
“Perhaps we will meet up with the Malaysian Fire Protection Association and chart suitable systems frames within longhouses on how to manage during fire outbreaks, such as installing residential sprinklers,” he revealed.
