PUTRAJAYA: It was a proud and meaningful moment for Sarawak’s former Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datuk Khirudin Drahman when he was named the recipient of the Anugerah Khas Buku Negara 2025 under the category Buku Umum Terbaik (Best General Book — Safety and Community Wellbeing).
The award recognises his contributions through the book titled ‘The Man Behind the Fire Prevention Programs in Sarawak: Datu Khirudin bin Drahman @ Hussaini – Innovative Fire Prevention Methodology for the State of Sarawak, Safeguarding Our Nature of Heritage’.
The book was published by Ya Ying Foundation and authored by Leonard Sabu, with Khirudin as the book’s special advisor.
The award presentation took place at Dewan Seri Melati, Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya on Wednesday (May 7).
When contacted, Khirudin who is the director of the Fire Safety Division for Bomba Malaysia, said he was thankful for the recognition.
“Alhamdulillah, this is a truly inspiring moment for me and the Bomba Sarawak team. The recognition reflects our collective efforts and commitment to fire safety.
“This journey would not have been possible without the strong support of the Sarawak government especially Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, whose encouragement was instrumental in bringing this book to life,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Khirudin also thanked book editor Leonard, and the Sarawak Bomba Public Relations Office (PRO) team for their support and collaboration throughout the publication process.
“I would also like to thank my journalist friends, including Nancy Nais and Sarah Hafizah, who have been instrumental in amplifying our fire safety messages through their writing and media coverage.
“Their dedication has helped raise public awareness and strengthen our engagement with communities across Sarawak,” he said.
The National Book Award was organised by the Yayasan Pembangunan Buku Negara in collaboration with the National Book Council of Malaysia under the Ministry of Education.
The award is a recognition of literary works that serve as public reference and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s educational and social development.
The book, carrying ISBN 978-967-26395-6-5, documents Khirudin’s extensive work and fire prevention initiatives implemented across Sarawak, making it both a professional reference and a legacy contribution to public safety education.
