‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
– Nelson Mandela Nelson (1994-1999); a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and politician who served as the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999
I recently had the honour of presiding over the graduation ceremony of Tadika dan Taska Permai Goodland at the Borneo Cultures Museum.
What unfolded before my eyes was truly awe-inspiring. The stage was graced by determined young boys and girls from Sarawak, many of whom face the challenges of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) head-on.
Their exceptional talents, nurtured through unwavering dedication and persistent education, shattered preconceived notions and surpassed expectations.
This event stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of their principal and teachers, evoking profound respect and admiration.
As I stood there, surrounded by an undeniable sense of triumph, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible achievements that can be accomplished with the right mindset and a positive attitude.
The ceremony transcended mere celebration; it transformed into a powerful reminder of the limitless potential within our community.
It implored us to unite our strengths, confront challenges head-on, and shape them into opportunities for growth and learning.
After the event, I pondered the idea of integrating fire safety into the very fabric of our lives, making it an integral part of our national culture.
Imagine a society where every individual understands the perils of fire, where education forms the bedrock for instilling this awareness, and where everyone actively participates in preventing and combating fires.
Education emerges as the cornerstone in shaping our understanding of fire and its associated risks. It equips individuals with the knowledge, mental resilience, and skills necessary to respond effectively to emergencies.
Armed with the right information and a positive attitude, people can not only safeguard themselves but also extend a helping hand to rescue others. This underscores the vital role of comprehensive fire safety education in our lives.
To bring this vision to fruition, we must cultivate champions within our community—individuals driven by a passion for learning and promoting total fire safety.
The State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) remains unwavering in its commitment to delivering exceptional services while empowering people to become champions in emergencies, be it fires or other disasters.
The challenge lies in transforming the prevailing mindset, where many still rely solely on emergency services. The initial moments of any incident are crucial, and informed, swift action can prevent situations from spiralling out of control.
Addressing unsafe attitudes, behaviours, and conditions (ABC) that put individuals at risk is of paramount importance. Transforming these mindsets necessitates a collective effort, primarily through education that fosters awareness and imparts knowledge.
Reflecting on the kindergarten graduation ceremony, it became abundantly clear how vital it is to instil positive habits and noble values from a young age.
Children embody our future leaders, entrusted with the responsibility of steering our nation towards progress and prosperity.
Initiatives such as Kelab 3K (Kelab Keselamatan Kanak-Kanak) and the comprehensive six-module fun learning program signify a significant stride towards cultivating a fire-resistant and resilient community.
Through engaging activities, children learn essential fire safety precautions, prevention techniques, and protective measures, including the iconic ‘stop, drop, and roll’. They also practice planning escape routes at home, fostering a culture of preparedness and vigilance.
Drawing upon my 35 years of service, I strongly advocate for the adoption of a national policy that ingrains safety awareness into our national culture.
With the guidance of Malaysia Madani’s six pillars, Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and Bomba’s National Fire and Rescue Policy 2021-2030, we possess the necessary tools to transform this vision into reality.
This is a collective endeavour that involves every individual, including you, me, and all of us. Together, we can ignite this fire safety revolution, ensuring a safer, more resilient, and empowered community for generations to come.
Let us unite and make it happen, embracing the promise of a brighter and more secure tomorrow for the people of Sarawak and beyond.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
