THE morning air was thick with excitement at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ladang No. 3 as students and teachers gathered in anticipation of a different kind of lesson – one that could one day save lives.
Instead of books and chalkboards, the schoolyard buzzed with the energy of flashing helmets, fire hoses, and the unmistakable presence of Malaysia’s frontline heroes: the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) Sarawak or Bomba.
On this particular Wednesday (Oct 8), a team of four firefighters from the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station, arrived promptly at 9am to conduct a fire safety programme under JBPM Sarawak Zone 6.
For the next three hours, they transformed the rural primary school into a live classroom on fire prevention, evacuation, and emergency response.
The programme, themed Action, Prevention, Awareness (A.P.A.), was designed not only to test preparedness but also to nurture a culture of safety among school communities.
It began with a detailed briefing on the basics of fire prevention – from identifying potential hazards to knowing the correct emergency procedures when an alarm sounds.
In the shade of the school assembly hall, firefighters demonstrated how fires can start from everyday situations – a spark near cooking oil, a faulty plug, or a carelessly discarded cigarette.
The pupils, wide-eyed and curious, listened attentively to the officers who spoke in simple, relatable terms, ensuring that every child understood the importance of vigilance and calm in the face of danger.
“We conduct these exercises not as a formality, but as a vital reminder that safety begins with awareness,” explained one of the firefighters during the session.
“In any emergency, preparedness determines survival. Our goal is to ensure that even the youngest child knows how to act, not panic.”
After the briefing, the sound of a fire alarm pierced the air – signalling the start of the mock evacuation. Teachers quickly ushered their pupils out of classrooms, guiding them towards the designated assembly points. Within minutes, lines of students formed neatly in the open field, their faces reflecting both seriousness and pride.
This was not a drill in name only – it was a real-time test of coordination, composure, and communication. The firefighters observed keenly, noting how quickly each class evacuated and how effectively teachers managed their groups.
According to the Batu Niah Fire Station, such drills are crucial for assessing response times and identifying weaknesses in emergency plans.
“We want schools to treat these sessions as part of their safety culture, not a one-off event,” said one officer.
“When everyone knows their role, it saves precious seconds and seconds matter when a fire breaks out.”
Twelve teachers and staff, together with 24 pupils, took part in the exercise. While the numbers were small, the impact was significant.
The training ended with a live demonstration of how to use a fire extinguisher correctly – a highlight that drew cheers and applause from the crowd. Some pupils even volunteered to try it themselves, under the watchful eyes of the firefighters.
For the teachers, the day offered a timely reminder of their responsibility in ensuring student safety.
“It’s an eye-opener,” said one teacher after the drill. “Many of us know the theory, but seeing the practice makes it real. It also shows our students that safety is not just a school rule – it’s a life skill.”
Beyond the practical lessons, the event also carried a deeper message that disaster preparedness must start young and extend into every community.
Batu Niah, like many semi-rural areas in Sarawak, faces challenges such as limited access to emergency services and delayed response times during floods or fires.
JBPM’s outreach programmes aim to bridge this gap by empowering locals to act responsibly in emergencies before professional help arrives.
Under its motto “Berprestasi Tinggi, Cepat dan Mesra” (High Performance, Fast and Friendly), JBPM Sarawak has long prioritised community engagement through outreach, school visits, and safety campaigns.
These initiatives are part of the department’s ongoing effort to build a society that values prevention over reaction- in line with the Malaysia Madani vision of resilience and civic responsibility.
As the session drew to a close at around noon, the firefighters gathered the pupils once more for a short debrief. The children, still clutching their notebooks, listened as the officers reiterated the key takeaway: stay calm, follow instructions, and remember that preparedness saves lives.
“Never think it won’t happen to you,” one officer reminded the crowd. “Emergencies don’t wait for anyone to be ready – you must always be prepared.”
The pupils responded with enthusiastic applause, some even waving shyly at the firefighters as they packed up their equipment. The officers smiled back, their work done – at least for today.
For JBPM Sarawak, the mission continues. Every school, every village, and every household represents another opportunity to strengthen the nation’s safety network. Whether in a city high-rise or a rural classroom, the message remains the same: awareness, action, and prevention save lives.
The day’s exercise ended not with alarm bells, but with laughter and gratitude. In those few hours, SK Ladang No. 3 had learned one of life’s most vital lessons – that courage and preparedness often begin in the classroom, long before the fire truck arrives.
