BAU: A new batch of 60 Auxiliary Bomba Officers (Pegawai Bomba Bantuan or PBB) has completed their competency training under the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Sarawak Bomba), reinforcing efforts to fill critical vacancies and strengthen emergency services across the state.
Sarawak Bomba deputy director Tiong Ling Hii said the graduation marks a significant milestone in addressing manpower shortages at Category C fire stations, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“Equipped with essential firefighting, rescue, and emergency response skills, the newly trained personnel will now be deployed to enhance operational readiness and support Bomba’s mission of protecting lives and property,” said Tiong during the closing ceremony of the basic course for PBB Series 2/2025 at the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Academy (Sarawak Region), here.
He noted that many previous personnel had left the service due to better job opportunities elsewhere.
However, with new allocations this year, the department is now able to recruit replacements.
“I hope they will remain in the department but we are also worried about the market demands outside. As you know, when they have basic firefighting skills, the demand is very high outside. After two years of working, maybe they get offers outside, and we cannot stop them from leaving.”
Currently, Sarawak has 39 fire stations—the most in Malaysia—and plans are underway to expand further. Three new fire stations in Sungai Asap, Engkilili, and Dalat have been approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) and are expected to be completed within two to three years.
“With the additional Kota Sentosa fire station, due to begin operations in May 2025, we are set to increase our total to 40 stations. Proposals for more stations under RMK-13 are also being prepared,” he added, noting that details are being kept confidential to avoid misunderstandings.
The 60 newly graduated PBBs will be posted to 14 fire stations across Sarawak, including the upcoming Kota Sentosa station.
Tiong also announced that the PBBs will now receive free Social Security Organisation (Socso) coverage, in addition to firefighter welfare assistance. Previously, they were only covered under group insurance.
“We’re committed to enhancing the benefits available to PBBs to encourage loyalty and dedication. So far, there have been no recorded accidents or injuries involving PBBs.”
Sarawak now has a total of 330 PBB personnel, including the newly trained batch, a number deemed sufficient to support full-time officers at the stations.
Tiong reminded the officers of their vital role, saying, “You are not only supporting emergency operations but also acting as catalysts for community-level fire safety awareness. You are respected and admired heroes.”
Three outstanding PBBs received special awards: Mohd Fadlan Dandan (BBP Belaga) ・Best Practical Training; Evertson Belcher Paul (BBP Serian) ・Best Theoretical Training; and Prissy Talesya Lawrence (BBP Serian) ・Overall Best Trainee.
Also present at the ceremony were Senior Fire Superintendent I Alimaddia Bukri, Senior Fire Superintendent II Jesica Sylvested Embuas and Senior Fire Superintendent I Ahmad Adli Abdul Rahman.
