BY DATU KHIRUDIN DRAHMAN
LAST week, I embarked on a road journey from Kuching to Bintulu, and I must express my gratitude for the excellent condition of the road.
Over three days, I engaged in nine activities across various locations in the central zone of Sarawak.
I must convey my heartfelt thanks to the federal government and state government for their strategic decision to build the Pan Borneo Highway as it has tremendously enhanced the road network and connectivity for Sarawakians.
This infrastructure has opened up new possibilities to experience the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Land of the Hornbills.
My journey covered Saratok, Sarikei, Sibu, Tatau, Bintulu and Serian, with a planned visit to assess the preparedness of the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) team for MTL 2023/24.
The objective of my trip extended beyond meeting local officers as it included connecting with the champions and local actors within communities.
Over the past five years, my approach to addressing fire and disaster issues in Sarawak has emphasised the importance of education.
This involves building an incident and disaster resilient community through continuous education and local engagement.
The belief is rooted in the idea that a positive response within the first five minutes, coupled with knowledge and a proactive approach, can keep an incident at a minor stage.
To guide communities in understanding the severity of crises, a framework of five critical levels has been established namely Minor Incident, Major Incident, Crisis, Disaster and Catastrophe.
Reflecting on the past five years, it is evident that advocacy and local engagement can yield positive results, saving lives, property and the environment from unnecessary destruction.
While incidents and destruction may appear as the responsibility of one individual, it is crucial to point out that prevention efforts are the responsibility of everyone.
When I refer to local actors, I am talking about entities uniquely positioned to find solutions that reduce underlying risks due to their understanding of local contexts, including weather patterns, communities, language, vulnerabilities and sources of strength.
These local actors, with their ability to foresee crises and threats, become stronger and more resilient through localised actions, instilling confidence within the community.
The effectiveness of local actors extends beyond proximity; their perspectives, grounded in community understanding, make them more impactful.
Programmes such as Bomba Komuniti, Kita Selamat, Celik S.U.R.I, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Point, and Bomba Volunteers have been introduced by the department in local communities with the aim of transforming local actors into champions.
Leadership during crises is crucial, and the qualities of a 3’C leader — Competence, Confidence, and Communication — naturally address issues of command and control.
Observing events over the past few years in Sarawak, incidents and disasters have been handled diligently, showcasing effective coordination among inter-agencies and local leaders.
Despite the vast size of nearly 125,000 square kilometres, rugged terrains, mountains, and rivers, with limited connectivity and communication, there have been minimal complaints.
This is a testament to the commendable roles played by local leaders and actors, with tasks shared and delivered to meet the communities’ needs.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his team, including local the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), has done an exemplary job, creating trust and respect.
This approach can serve as a benchmark for disaster management considering effective planning in crisis tackling, both before, during, and after, involves pivotal roles from every agency.
Elements such as Disaster Risk Reduction profiling instil confidence within responding parties, while patrolling and observation activities by relevant parties increase community confidence towards the government.
Reinforcement and funding by the state government play a crucial role in the success of these initiatives.
The ultimate success or failure of responses depends on finding a balance between the government and communities.
A true commitment built among all parties reflects in the outcome of any incident. Sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and plans for improvement are encouraged, fostering a collaborative and learning environment.
With all these considerations, Bomba Sarawak remains ever-prepared, with success stories extending beyond, recognising heroes and acknowledging the natural emergence of local actors during disasters.
Avoiding escalation is a shared responsibility, and the consequences impact everyone.
The wisdom of the quote, “In time of war prepare for peace, and in time of peace prepare for war — always on alert and ready,” echoes the choices we make collectively for the well-being of our communities.
