KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) needs to be alerted on fire incidents promptly, especially those involving residences, to ensure immediate aid can be provided.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said for this reason, her ministry requests cooperation from Bomba Sarawak to share information whenever they receive reports of such cases.
“When a fire occurs, the community usually reports it to Bomba, and we also hope that this information can be passed on directly to JKMS.
“This is crucial so that we can accompany the firefighters to the fire scene or disaster site, as our responsibility after the incident is to ensure the welfare of the victims,” she said during the Ziarah Sumbangsih Raya 2025 (SR25) Session at the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters here today.
Fatimah emphasised that this initiative is essential, as JKMS ensures fire victims are relocated to safe locations and provided with food, necessities and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
“We also need to gather information on the number of family members involved in the fire incident.
“This is important to ensure appropriate aid can be delivered,” she added.
Meanwhile, regarding Bomba’s role during the flood disaster in late January, Fatimah expressed her gratitude to firefighters for their contributions in assisting flood victims, including in Dalat, her constituency.
She highlighted that she had witnessed firsthand firefighters’ dedication in evacuating affected residents, persuading those reluctant to move to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS), and delivering food aid to affected areas.
“Firefighters also assisted us by providing assets and logistics.
“Without such support, JKMS would have faced difficulties delivering food aid, especially during major floods.
“Therefore, close cooperation between agencies, including Bomba, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), is also crucial in our efforts to distribute aid,” she stressed.
Additionally, Fatimah announced her ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Association of Firefighters’ Wives and Women Officers (PERISMA) in organising various activities.
“Beyond the strength of women officers, we also recognise that firefighters’ wives play an important role in supporting their husbands’ duties.
“Thus, we would like to offer courses that could benefit them, including culinary, tailoring, spa services, and other skills,” she explained.
A total of 1,550 Sumbangsih Raya packages were distributed to firefighters as a token of appreciation for their sacrifices in ensuring public safety, especially during the festive season.
