It doesn’t give a clear “signal” before it strikes. Only those who are prepared — mentally, strategically, and collectively — can recognise potential risks, take steps to reduce them, and lessen their impact.
As a community, we must always ask ourselves if we are truly ready to face any possibility.
Fires, floods, pandemics, or economic disruptions can threaten not just our lives and property but also the continuity of our environment and businesses.
The ancient phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum”—if you want peace, prepare for war — spoken by Roman general Flavius Vegetius Renatus, stays relevant today.
Behind this saying lies a strong message: readiness is the only shield against fear, and preparation is the foundation of resilience.
Most emergencies start as small incidents. If left unmanaged, they grow into crises, disasters, and eventually catastrophes.
The key rule in such situations is simple: the first five minutes matter the most.
Timely and correct actions taken in that window decide whether damages stay minor and how quickly things can return to normal.
Therefore, precaution, prevention, and protection must always guide us.
Every individual should grasp the basic process of risk mitigation. It’s a systematic method to identify, assess, and reduce potential threats.
The process starts with identifying risks through brainstorming, data review, or analysis of political, economic, and environmental contexts.
Once identified, risks need evaluating based on their likelihood and potential impact. This helps in prioritising which require urgent attention and which can be tolerated.
Subsequently, treatment follows, guided by four options: mitigating the risk with safeguards, avoiding it by removing the source, sharing responsibility through joint mechanisms, or accepting it as part of reality.
Importantly, risk management needs continuous monitoring and review as risks evolve with changing environments.
However, risk management can’t be solely entrusted to government agencies. Communities are the primary responders and the most crucial partners in safety governance.
Through participatory disaster risk assessments, communities can share valuable knowledge — such as historical flooding patterns, fire-prone areas, and identification of vulnerable groups.
Risk evaluation should extend beyond economic loss to encompass human and social impact.
Community-based disaster risk reduction committees like Bomba Sukarela, Bomba Komuniti, Sarawak CERTs, and CELIK S.U.R.I embody this role, translating strategies into action.
By creating evacuation routes, identifying assembly points, and practising preparedness in daily routines, they ensure resilience is not just a concept but a reality.
For these efforts to be lasting, risk management must be integrated into our social and cultural fabric.
This involves raising awareness in schools, acknowledging disaster response teams as resilience champions, and making safety discussions part of everyday dialogue.
A simple yet potent philosophy has steered many of our programmes: “We want to see you before the fire, not after.”
When such values are embraced, communities transition from passive victims to active resilience champions.
The COVID-19 pandemic was possibly the greatest test of this collective spirit.
Communities, state and federal agencies, and strong leadership under the Premier of Sarawak and his Cabinet collaborated closely, navigating through challenging times with resolve.
Together, we not only survived but also emerged with one of the most robust recovery frameworks — the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
This was not the achievement of a single institution but a testament to the unity of Sarawakians from all walks of life.
Real resilience doesn’t come solely from policies but from people who implement them.
Sarawakians have exemplified what it means to overcome challenges and turn lessons into strengths.
We are not just passive recipients of governmental plans but equal partners in shaping a safer, more robust future.
Ultimately, the success of risk management doesn’t lie in the absence of crises but in the readiness of our communities.
When we accept this reality, we embody the essence of being true Sarawak people.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
