LAST Saturday marked a significant milestone in community engagement in Batu Kawa, where a diverse community comprising Malays, Chinese, Bidayuhs, Ibans, and others resides.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA Sarawak) organised a magnificent event—an annual fire safety campaign—amidst the festive ambience of the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Batu Kawa, a melting pot of cultures with an estimated population of 60,000, held the campaign in its old town.
This historic locale, predominantly inhabited by Chinese businessmen and small farmers, falls under the jurisdiction of the Batu Kawa constituency, skillfully represented by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The seemingly serene Chinese old town transforms into a lively hub on weekends, brimming with vibrant stories exchanged among old businessmen and acquaintances.
The community warmly embraced BOMBA Sarawak’s personnel since last Thursday, actively participating in training and preparations for the upcoming events.
Concurrently, a series of activities were set in motion to fulfil the campaign’s objectives, with a keen focus on enhancing community fire safety.
The campaign’s foundation lies in the 3P approach—precaution, prevention, and protection.
A range of fire safety products such as CELIK Suri, Fire Point, BOMBA Komuniti, Kelab 3K, Teman Pili Bomba, 1RAPI programme, and Hero BOMBA took centre stage.
Dr Sim, who is also the minister overseeing public health, housing, and local government, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
He was accompanied by local dignitaries who rallied behind the programme.
The campaign drew strength from strategic partnerships, receiving invaluable support from the Farley Foundation, Sin Chew Daily, Persatuan Chung Hua Batu Kawa, Chinese schools, and local kindergartens.
Central to the campaign’s narrative is the imperative to prevent avoidable domestic fires, particularly during festive seasons.
A resounding reminder echoes through the community: celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year with utmost safety in mind.
By encouraging the community to declutter homes, discard combustible items, practice vigilant housekeeping, and maintain electrical wiring, we underscore the importance of averting unwarranted usage of electrical gadgets, as a moment’s carelessness can lead to disaster.
Highlighting the campaign, four BOMBA heroes emerged, heralding the significance of portable fire extinguishers in saving longhouses during emergencies—a concept that still eludes many.
The risk reduction approach revolves around forming effective strategies with limited resources. The community must comprehend the swift nature of fire spread and the lethal speed of smoke.
I must point out the commendable efforts from the state government and the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, resonating in their initiative to revise the prevailing Building Ordinance since 1994.
This long-overdue amendment particularly mandates residential and private homes to be equipped with basic alarms and fire extinguishers.
Early warnings and prompt reactions within the first five minutes can be the difference between life and catastrophe.
This paradigm shift towards total fire safety demands collective efforts from all parties.
BOMBA Sarawak has always stressed and advocated for the paramount importance of fire safety at home.
Emphasising individual responsibility within families, fostering positive actions, and instigating changes ensure safety in both families and neighbourhoods. Minimising fire dangers hinges on embracing the 3P approach.
With the 3P approach, the community avoids the perilous 3L syndromes — lupa (forgetfulness), lalai (carelessness), and leka (negligence).
To sum up, fire, a non-discriminatory threat, casts a dark shadow, emitting poisonous gases, and claiming lives without prejudice.
As we revel in the joy of the upcoming Chinese New Year, let us not forget the criticality of fire safety.
Happy New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai from BOMBA Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
