SIBU: A total of 25 community firefighting teams have been formed in the Dudong and Bawang Assan constituencies as part of efforts to enhance community safety and raise awareness on fire prevention.
According to Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the community, auxiliary, and volunteer firefighting teams play a crucial role in educating the public on fire safety and prevention.
“Their efforts have directly contributed to reducing emergency calls in their respective areas. These volunteer teams are vital first responders in emergencies, providing initial assistance to victims before the fire department arrives,” he said.
He said this in his speech, which was read by Political Secretary to Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting during the closing of the Dudong and Bawang Assan community firefighting teams’ training at the Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station here Sunday (Aug 25).
A total of 233 participants from 16 longhouses and nine villages took part in the training, which was organised in collaboration with the Sungai Empawah Neighbourhood Watch (KRT).
Tiong who is Dudong assemblyman also highlighted that these teams act as the “eyes, ears, and voice” of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba), helping to inform the public on how to manage fire situations.
“With the training and education, they have received, I hope the community firefighters will continue to spread knowledge about fire safety and prevention, reduce the risk of fire incidents, and boost community preparedness for emergencies,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bomba acting director, Tiong Ling Hii, proposed upgrading these community firefighting teams to Voluntary Firefighter Teams.
He said that Voluntary Firefighter Teams are registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS), providing a more structured and organised framework, with government benefits, including insurance coverage.
“Community firefighting teams are registered under Bomba, and while donations of equipment are a bonus for them, there is concern that they lack insurance coverage if injured while responding to incidents,” he said.
Also present was Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh and Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Andy Alie.
