KUCHING: Longhouse residents in Sarawak’s remote areas remain highly vulnerable to fire, with 36 cases recorded in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the risks faced by communities with limited access to firefighting support.
The Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia (Bomba) Sarawak recorded more than 9,000 emergency calls each year from 2023 to 2025.
Fire incidents made up about a quarter of the calls, while rescue operations accounted for the majority. Special duties and false calls remained low.
Fire operations over the past three years rescued hundreds of people, though fatalities and injuries continue to be a concern. In January 2026 alone, 12 people were rescued, three died, and one was injured.
Director of Bomba Sarawak, Jamri Masran, said the department aims to strengthen community fire awareness, especially in high-risk areas.
“Aligned with Malaysia MADANI’s aspiration of wellbeing, compassion, and public safety, this initiative seeks to empower communities to be more resilient, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious,” he said at the ‘Community Caring Programme: Safe Homes with the Sarawak Fire Department 2026, Kuching Zone’ at Emart Batu Kawa today (Feb 6).
“The safety of homes is the foundation for family and community wellbeing. Through this programme, we hope to nurture a culture of awareness, responsibility, and preparedness,” said Jamri, as he highlighted household safety initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.
Among these initiatives is the SURI Awareness Programme, or Household Risk Management Team CELIK SURI, launched by Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah in December 2020, which equips housewives with knowledge on fire preparedness, risk management, and home safety, empowering them as the frontline in household fire prevention.
