AS we go about our daily lives, many of us tend to ignore the most basic yet critical aspect of survival – our safety and the safety of our surroundings.
After more than three decades in the fire service, I have observed a troubling pattern among our fellow Sarawakians: the tendency to neglect personal responsibility for fire safety, assuming that others or the authorities will take care of it.
Fingers are often pointed at someone or something when tragedy strikes. Government agencies are blamed for “not doing their job”. But the hard truth is this: fire does not wait for anyone, and it certainly does not discriminate.
Fire is ruthless. It does not make appointments, it does not come with courtesy, it does not take holidays, and it never chooses its victims.
When fire comes, it takes everything in its path – lives, property, and livelihoods – leaving behind only ashes and grief. In my 36 years of service, I have seen firsthand how unforgiving fire can be.
When it strikes, you have only seconds to react – to prevent, to control, and to save what can be saved. Delay or complacency can mean total destruction.
This is why I always stress the importance of the 3 Ps: Precaution, Prevention, and Protection.
Precaution, which makes up 60 per cent, is about thinking ahead, anticipating risks, and being mindful in our daily routines.
Prevention, which makes up 30 percent, means taking concrete measures to reduce fire hazards.
Protection, which makes up 10 percent, refers to firefighting and mitigation, which should always be the last line of defense.
As the Malay saying goes, “Menang jadi arang, kalah jadi abu” – in firefighting, even victory comes at great loss. The best fight is the one we prevent from happening in the first place.
My message remains the same: “We want to see you before the fire, not after.”
Fire safety is built on four objectives: protecting lives, safeguarding property, preserving the environment, and ensuring business continuity.
Yet too many fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation, blocked exits, and ignorance of escape routes. This is why fire safety must begin at the design and construction stage of buildings.
Occupants must be able to evacuate safely, corridors must be protected, and smoke must be controlled. At the same time, structures must remain intact long enough for firefighters to intervene.
But fire safety does not rest on one party alone. It is the duty of five critical stakeholders: the authorities, the designers, the builders, the inspectors, and the occupiers.
Authorities must develop strong regulations, approve safe designs, and educate the public.
Designers must build to standards, with fire-resistant structures and proper egress routes.
Builders must follow approved plans and use quality materials. Inspectors must carry out their role with integrity, ensuring compliance and certification.
Occupiers must maintain facilities, practise fire drills, and manage risks responsibly. For all of this to work, we need the 5 Es: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Management, and Economic Initiatives.
Between 2018 and 2024, fire incidents in Malaysia resulted in an estimated RM1.24 billion in losses and claimed 111 lives.
The majority of these fires occurred in residential buildings, caused mainly by electrical faults and gas equipment.
Sadly, many of these tragedies could have been avoided. They were classified as accidental fires, rooted in the “3 Ls”: lupa (forgetfulness), leka (carelessness), and lalai (negligence).
The common causes of fatal fires include delayed awareness and failed notification systems, exits that are locked, blocked, or barred, occupants unaware of alternative escape routes, and escape routes rendered unusable due to smoke.
These are not accidents of fate – they are consequences of human behaviour, the “unsafe ABCs”: unsafe acts, unsafe behaviours, and unsafe conditions.
Fire safety is ultimately a shared responsibility. Communities must rise as champions of safety, embracing precaution and prevention in everyday life.
Total Fire Safety is not merely a slogan or a catchphrase; it embodies a continual strategic initiative aimed at safeguarding life, property, and the environment.
This endeavour necessitates unwavering dedication from all stakeholders and communities, underscored by the adoption of the 5 Es, the 3 Ps, and the rejection of the 3 Ls.
Central to this approach are the 2 Fs: Fight and Flight. Equipped with readiness, we can combat fires safely and efficiently.
However, in dire situations where fighting is untenable, the imperative is to prioritise flight – evacuate promptly to preserve lives.
Ultimately, the true guardians of fire safety extend beyond firefighters or authorities to encompass the entire community.
Through vigilance, hazard prevention, and mutual protection, we can foster a safer Sarawak that benefits all its residents.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
