ON July 2, I had the honour of launching my first book, ‘The Man Behind the Fire Prevention Programs in Sarawak – Datu Khirudin bin Drahman @ Husaini: Innovative Fire Prevention Methodology, Safeguarding Our Natural Heritage’.
The launch was officiated by Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and was attended by my family, friends, colleagues and mentors like Datuk Dr Soh Chai Hock and Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The occasion was made all the more meaningful as it was organised entirely by my children and close family friends.
I am deeply grateful to Dr Sim for his generous support in sponsoring the dinner.
This publication is not simply a record of my professional journey; it is a culmination of 36 years of service with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba Malaysia), and more importantly, a reflection of my passion for building a safer and more resilient Sarawak.
It represents years of dedication, collaboration and commitment to fire safety, particularly through proactive and innovative prevention strategies tailored to the unique landscape and communities of this region.
I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to the Premier, the Sarawak Cabinet, and the Sarawak Government for their continued recognition and support of my efforts.
Their encouragement has been instrumental in powering the momentum required to complete this work.
The overwhelming support I have received throughout this journey has inspired me to go further, to give back more, and to share what I have learned.
I would also like to extend special thanks to the editorial team, led by principal author and award-winning writer, Leonard Sabu, whose guidance and expertise helped shape this book into a comprehensive resource.
My gratitude also goes to Yayasan Pembangunan Buku Negara, the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, and the Ya Ying Charity Foundation for their coordination and commitment in ensuring the book’s publication met the highest standards.
At the same time, recognition of this book at the national level is both humbling and motivating.
On May 7, it was awarded the Anugerah Khas Buku Negara under the category ‘Buku Umum Terbaik 2025 (Elemen Keselamatan dan Kesejahteraan Komuniti)’.
This honour affirms the importance of sustained fire prevention efforts and the need to continue raising public awareness on safety issues that impact communities across Malaysia.
The book itself is designed to be multi-dimensional.
It serves as a professional guide, a record of lived experience, and a strategic tool for empowering individuals, organisations, and communities to better understand, mitigate and respond to fire-related risks.
From rural longhouses to bustling urban centres, fire prevention is a shared responsibility that must transcend boundaries of geography, politics, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
My goal is simple but profound: to raise public consciousness on the importance of fire safety, to encourage responsible practices, and to instil a culture of preparedness at every level of society.
The essence of my message remains unchanged – “We want to see you before the fire, not after”.
This mantra, developed through decades of experience, reflects the need for proactive engagement, early intervention, and continuous public education.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of fires, many of which were preventable.
These experiences reinforced my belief that awareness, knowledge, and early action can save lives.
Firefighting alone is not enough; prevention must be our priority.
Through this book, I hope to promote fire safety as a way of life, rooted in community engagement, innovation, and shared responsibility.
This publication also acts as a call to action.
It encourages collaboration between government agencies, local leaders, media practitioners, and civil society organisations.
It promotes the use of technology and data in fire prevention strategies while emphasising the human aspect – our ability to care for one another, protect our surroundings, and preserve our natural heritage.
In this regard, I must express my deepest appreciation to the media who have played an essential role in amplifying our fire safety messages.
I extend special thanks to Sarawak Tribune Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir, Editor-in-Chief Aden Nagrace, and reporter Sarah Hafizah for their unwavering support and coverage.
I also wish to thank Nancy Nais of DayakDaily for her encouragement and continuous dedication to highlighting public safety efforts.
The media serves not only as a channel of information, but as a strategic partner in shaping public perception, encouraging behavioural change, and fostering a culture of safety and vigilance.
This book is, ultimately, a gift, one that I hope will be valued not only by those within the fire service, but by educators, policymakers, community leaders, and ordinary citizens.
In an increasingly fast-paced and digital world, books remain timeless vessels of wisdom, connection, and shared purpose.
They offer lasting insight, provoke meaningful conversations, and spark curiosity across generations.
I believe this book will continue to serve as a valuable resource, facilitating ongoing learning, promoting best practices, and building a stronger, safer Sarawak.
It stands as a legacy of my lifelong mission to safeguard lives and protect the natural beauty of our homeland.
It is my hope that readers will find within its pages both information and inspiration, guidance that resonates in their daily lives, and supports them in making informed, safe decisions.
Our approach to total fire safety must continue to evolve. Integrating technology, engaging communities, and embracing sustainability are key pillars of a resilient future.
I remain committed to supporting these efforts and encouraging the next generation to carry forward the mission.
Let us all remember: fire is always a losing battle.
No matter how skilled we are in response, prevention is always the better option, and fire is, indeed, preventable.
Our safety is our shared responsibility, and by working together, we can build a future where fire tragedies are the exception, not the norm.
I sincerely hope this book inspires continued dialogue, renewed commitment, and collective action toward a safer Sarawak for all.
