The morning of April 1 will not be easily forgotten by the residents of Putra Heights. What began as a quiet Tuesday was suddenly shattered by a massive explosion that resembled the force of an atomic bomb. The raging inferno from a gas pipeline fire not only shocked the community
As I have often highlighted in my writings, the concept of Total Fire Safety and Security is an essential framework comprising three critical components: precaution, prevention, and protection. In this week’s column, I want to delve deeper into these three elements, as they are fundamental in addressing the most pressing
Last week, while reviewing fire-related fatalities in Malaysia and Sarawak, I was struck by the alarming reality that many of these tragedies were avoidable. Fires caused by negligence have led to unnecessary deaths, with Sarawak recording 12 fatalities in 2024, nine in 2023, and 22 in 2022. These numbers reflect
SARAWAK has been experiencing heavy rains and flooding over the past few weeks, causing many people to stay indoors. During this monsoon season, I have the opportunity to spend quality time with my children and grandchildren. However, with the continuous rainfall, the festive Chinese New Year celebrations were somewhat subdued,
Last week marked a significant milestone in my career when I was invited to participate in the prestigious INTERSEC Dubai 2025, held from January 14 to 16 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This premier international event brought together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and emergency service professionals to discuss
Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, presents unique challenges for fire prevention and management. With a land area of approximately 124,000 square kilometres and vast remote regions, the geographical scale and limited infrastructure make it difficult for the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to respond to emergencies promptly. Despite their efforts, the
For the past 36 columns, I’ve been saying loud and clear that fire safety isn’t just someone else’s job; it’s on all of us to keep things safe. Bigwigs in charge of laws need to make sure buildings are built safely and keep them that way with rules; landlords and
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become the symbol of a cleaner, greener future. Governments across the globe, supported by environmental activists, are championing their use to curb carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Conferences, seminars, and workshops tirelessly promote the benefits of EVs, emphasizing their role in reducing global reliance on
As someone who has spent years in the Fire and Rescue Department, or as we’re often called, “Abam Bomba”, I have seen firsthand the unique challenges we face here in Sarawak. Our state is the largest in Malaysia, with a terrain that’s beautiful yet unforgiving. Much of Sarawak is remote,
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
