MIRI: When the monsoon clouds begin to gather over the South China Sea, coastal and rural communities across Sarawak brace themselves for torrential rains and rising waters.
But for the firefighters of Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Batu Niah), preparedness is more than just a seasonal duty — it is a mission built on discipline, teamwork and courage.
On a humid Saturday morning, the usually serene setting of Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort was transformed into a live training ground. The calm lake rippled with activity as firefighters plunged in, simulating rescue scenarios under the watchful eye of PBT II Rary Binjie, a seasoned trainer known for his hands-on approach.
The exercise, titled Basic Water Rescue and Sea Survival Training, brought together 25 participants, including BBP Batu Niah firefighters, their spouses, and staff from the resort itself.
The aim was simple yet critical: to sharpen lifesaving techniques and strengthen coordination as the North-East Monsoon looms.
Sarawak’s landscape, with its sprawling rivers, floodplains, and coastal villages, makes water-related emergencies a constant risk during the monsoon months.
Every year, communities find themselves grappling with flash floods, swift currents, and sudden evacuations. In such moments, firefighters are often the first — and sometimes only — line of defence.
“Preparedness is not just about physical training,” said Rary , BBP Batu Niah station chief.
“It’s about mindset. Every rescue starts with awareness — knowing the risks, understanding the environment, and protecting our own lives first so we can save others.”
That philosophy was evident throughout the day. Participants were first briefed on theoretical aspects — identifying hazards, assessing situations, and prioritising safety.
This was followed by rigorous practical sessions that tested both skill and stamina. The training emphasised real-world adaptability: rescuers had to assess currents, approach victims safely, and deploy flotation devices effectively.
What made this exercise stand out was its inclusivity. The participation of firefighters’ spouses and resort staff transformed the training from a professional drill into a community-oriented initiative.
By involving families, BBP Batu Niah demonstrated that disaster preparedness extends beyond the station. It’s about creating awareness at every level — ensuring that those closest to the responders understand the risks they face and the techniques that could one day save lives.
“We wanted our families to see and experience what we go through,” said one participant.
“It builds empathy and readiness at home. When they understand the danger, they also understand the discipline behind our work.”
For the resort staff, the training offered invaluable insights. Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort, surrounded by water bodies and forest terrain, is no stranger to unpredictable weather.
By equipping their employees with basic rescue knowledge, the resort enhances its own safety protocols while contributing to the broader culture of preparedness in the area.
Throughout the morning, the atmosphere was both intense and uplifting. Laughter occasionally broke through the tension as participants struggled to master floating techniques or coordinate rescue lines. But the seriousness of the mission was never lost.
Rary guided the team with precision and patience. His instructions cut through the humid air: “Remember — safety first, always. Don’t rush. Assess before you act.”
In one exercise, participants learned to approach a panicked “victim” thrashing in the water — a simulation that tested their composure under pressure. The key, as Rary explained, was maintaining calm while projecting authority.
“A rescuer must be the calmest person in chaos,” he reminded them.
By midday, as the tropical sun reached its peak, the participants had undergone drills in towing techniques, lifejacket handling, and water entry manoeuvres. Each exercise reinforced the same principle: effective rescue relies on teamwork, communication, and clarity of thought.
The initiative is part of a larger national effort by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) to enhance readiness ahead of the North-East Monsoon, which typically brings heavy rainfall between November and March.
The department’s tagline — “Berprestasi Tinggi, Cepat dan Mesra” (High Performance, Swift and Friendly) — captures its commitment to professionalism and community engagement.
For BBP Batu Niah, the training underscored an important truth: effective disaster response cannot exist in isolation. It thrives on trust — between rescuers, their families, and the public they serve.
“During floods, people look to us for assurance,” said another firefighter. “That’s why we train like this. When the time comes, there’s no room for hesitation.”
Such exercises also serve as morale boosters. For firefighters constantly exposed to high-risk situations, shared training experiences strengthen bonds and reinforce the sense of purpose that drives the force.
“It’s not just about skills,” one participant noted. “It’s about unity — knowing that when the siren sounds, we’re not just colleagues, we’re a team that has each other’s backs.”
By the end of the session, the group was exhausted but energised. Wet uniforms clung to tired bodies, but faces shone with satisfaction. Certificates were handed out, group photos taken, and laughter returned to the lakeside.
More than just another departmental exercise, the Basic Water Rescue and Sea Survival Training symbolised something larger: resilience in the face of uncertainty.
It showed how preparedness, when grounded in teamwork and trust, can transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary responders.
As the monsoon clouds begin to gather once more over Sarawak, the firefighters of Batu Niah stand ready — not just with equipment and training, but with the confidence that comes from practice, purpose, and pride in service.
