After nearly 35 years of service, having held senior positions across various states and now stationed at the headquarters, I have realised that the most crucial task of the fire service is not what most people think.
While many associate firefighting with the role of the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), the real priority lies in preventing fires from occurring in the first place.
It boils down to the 3Ps — Precaution, Prevention, and Protection.
In my experience, almost 99 per cent of fires result from human negligence
These man-made tragedies often arise from what I describe as the 3Ls — Lupa (Forgetfulness), Leka (Carelessness), and Lalai (Neglectful).
Only about 1 per cent of fires can be attributed to natural causes or what some call ‘acts of God’.T
his emphasises how much of an impact we, as humans, have on preventing fires.
Through my ongoing efforts to champion a Total Fire Safety approach, we have seen a noticeable reduction in fire incidents. But this does not happen by accident.
It requires the collaborative efforts of all involved parties, from authorities and designers to builders, inspectors, and most importantly, the occupiers — our community members.
Only by diligently playing our respective roles can we prevent unnecessary tragedies.
A comprehensive fire safety approach is key to ensuring the safety of lives, property, and the environment.
All stakeholders involved in the process — whether responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining buildings — must operate with a high level of responsibility and commitment.
The buildings we design, occupy and maintain must meet international fire safety standards, and Malaysia has set a strong example by adopting renowned standards such as MS (Malaysia Standard), BS (British Standard), AS (Australian Standard), EN (European Norms), ISO (International Standards Organization), and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
Moreover, best practices are enshrined in various codes of practice that serve as guidelines for all parties.
To simplify things further, our department has introduced the BOMBA Guidelines, which make it easier for everyone to understand their roles in fire safety.
As an independent judge of the Federation Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers (FIABCI) Malaysia Chapter, I have insisted that potential project nominations strictly comply with these standards.
Why are building codes crucial? They play a fundamental role in guaranteeing the safety
of the structures where we reside, work, and conduct our activities.
Records show that projects adhering to these stringent standards have excelled internationally.
However, many of the most significant fires stem from lapses in proper periodic and preventive maintenance, poor housekeeping, or, most notably, the change in building usage without updating fire safety measures.
In other words, the fire safety requirements from the building’s original purpose no longer apply when its use changes.
To address these challenges, we must wake up to the reality that fire destruction results from one person’s negligence, but fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
By implementing fire safety measures that emphasise early detection and intervention, we can not only save lives but also minimise damage to property and the environment.
Designers, builders, and local authorities must recognise the importance of incorporating approved fire safety standards into every stage of building design and construction.
Fire safety design philosophy must be integrated during the planning phase, long before the builders break ground.
The builders, in turn, play a crucial role in implementing these fire safety requirements during the construction phase.
They must use approved BOMBA materials and follow the standards set by authorities like PUSPEK (Pusat Penyelidikan Bahan Binaan).
The materials used, the methods of construction and adherence to approved drawings all contribute to the overall safety of a building.
Ultimately, ensuring compliance with these standards is a collective effort, involving everyone from local authorities to technical departments.
The process is detailed and thorough, including submitting forms ranging from G1 to G21 before the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) can be issued.
While fire destruction may rest on the shoulders of one person, fire prevention is the collective responsibility of all.
By understanding and following fire safety protocols, we can create a safer environment for everyone, especially here in Sarawak, where our communities are at the heart of everything we do.
Let’s champion Total Fire Safety and ensure a bright, safe future for our beloved state.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
