KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department in Sarawak has heightened its state of readiness with the onset of the North East Monsoon which is bringing heavy rainfall and flooding across the country.
Its state director, Jamri Masran said Bomba Sarawak has launched a Rapid Response Team (Pasukan Gerak Cepat or PGC).
He said, the initiative underscores the department’s commitment to ensuring swift, coordinated, and effective emergency response across all affected regions.
“The establishment of the PGC serves not only as a symbolic gesture but as a clear directive to all stations, units, and personnel to maintain peak preparedness.” he said at the launching of the JBPM Preparedness Programme for 2025/2026 here Thursday .
“Emphasis has been placed on full understanding of roles, adherence to proper procedures, and the ability to act within critical timelines, a necessity during monsoon-related emergencies.”
He also said risk management operations have been ramped up at flood-prone zones and landslide-risk areas.
And locations vulnerable to sudden water surges are being reassessed and monitored continuously.
“This information is being shared with local authorities and related agencies to ensure early intervention measures can be implemented,” he said.
Jamri said regular inspections are also being conducted on all major rescue equipment, including boats, rescue gear, personal protective equipment (PPE), communication systems, and utility vehicles.
“Technical training has been intensified, focusing on rescue operations, use of specialised equipment, victim handling, and management of public evacuation centres.
“Personnel are also undergoing comprehensive training to enhance coordination during large-scale disaster operations,” he said.
JBPM highlighted that disaster response during the monsoon season requires seamless cooperation.
In this context coordination with agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Social Welfare Department (JKM), Ministry of Health (KKM), People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), local councils and state government has been reinforced to ensure unified and efficient flood operations.
He also said the department is stepping up community-oriented initiatives, including safety awareness campaigns, community emergency training, and early dissemination of precautionary information.
Meanwhile, Jamri said JBPM has procured 150 rescue boats, with 17 units allocated to Sarawak, significantly improving the state’s ability to respond swiftly to early-stage flood evacuations.
Additionally he said, equipment such as tents and chainsaws will be handed over to three volunteer fire teams, namely PBS Kampung Buntal, PBS Bako Indah, and PBS Bunan Gega, expanding early community response capabilities.
“With the Northeast Monsoon now underway, JBPM assures the public that the department remains vigilant, fully prepared, and committed to protecting lives and property throughout the challenging season ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, who represented Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian commended JBPM Sarawak for the thoroughness and long-term vision invested in the planning of this programme.
“This clearly shows that JBPM does not only respond when disaster strikes but also works hard on prevention and risk reduction.
“From the government’s perspective, I want to reaffirm that we recognise the strategic role of JBPM in safeguarding the safety and well-being of the people. We remain committed to supporting the department, whether through continuous training, human capital development, adoption of modern technology, or the provision of improved equipment and infrastructure,” said Wee.
Also present at the event was Senior Fire Superintendent Alimaddia Bukri.
