MIRI : In a collective effort to build community resilience and improve emergency preparedness, the ‘Bengkel Asas Kecemasan dan Kebakaran 2025’ (Basic Emergency and Fire Safety Workshop) was successfully held on Saturday at Rumah Sebuang Gerugo, Sungai Tajan, Suai, Niah.
The event, organised under the Subis District Community Programme – Zone Samalaju, drew participation from over 200 local residents, with a strong presence from government agencies, grassroots leaders, and educational institutions.
Spearheaded by the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station, the initiative aimed to instil critical fire safety knowledge and hands-on emergency response skills among the rural community.
The programme was officiated by Datuk Majang Renggi, Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (Port Development) Minister and Samalaju Assemblyman, underscoring the importance of grassroots-level engagement in disaster risk reduction.
The workshop witnessed collaborative participation from key stakeholders, including the Subis District Council; District Education Office, Subis; National Anti-Drug Agency; Sarawak Social Welfare Department; Sarawak Rivers Board; Employees Provident Fund (KWSP); Subis District Office; Land and Survey Department; Miri Division Health Office; and Miri Division Dental Health Office.
Local councillors and various community representatives also lent their support, reflecting a united front in promoting public safety.
A dedicated team from the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station led the sessions, including station chief Rary Binjie.
Their presence ensured not only technical accuracy but also community trust in the training delivered.
The half-day programme from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm included a series of interactive and practical sessions, designed to equip residents with life-saving knowledge while fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
Participants had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in handling fire-fighting equipment, understand emergency response protocols, and engage directly with fire safety personnel.
A key highlight was the formal establishment of the Community Firefighting Team, a grassroots initiative that empowers local residents to act as first responders in the event of fire or emergency.
The team’s formation is aligned with the Fire and Rescue Department’s broader strategy of enhancing rural preparedness and narrowing emergency response gaps, particularly in remote settlements.
Through targeted education and simulation exercises, the workshop served as a practical platform to normalise fire safety practices within the home, while also preparing community members, especially longhouse dwellers, for unforeseen emergencies.
