SARAWAK’S vast and rugged terrain poses many challenges when it comes to fire safety. Yet, despite these geographic difficulties, Sarawakians have proven time and again their ability to safeguard their homes and lands through vigilance, community effort and innovation.
Since 2019, Bomba Sarawak has introduced several forward-thinking strategies that have significantly reduced fire incidents and property loss throughout the state. More importantly, these efforts have helped prevent environmental damage by limiting the unnecessary release of carbon monoxide and dioxide into the atmosphere.
This success is built on five main pillars: community-based fire management, integration of new technologies, sustainable land use practices, clear regulatory frameworks and strong collaboration with various partners. These strategies are more than theory – they have produced measurable results.
One notable example was in 2022 when a wildfire in a remote area was swiftly detected through remote sensing technology.
Thanks to the quick response of volunteer fire brigades supported by drone surveillance, the fire was brought under control before it could cause serious damage.
In other areas prone to seasonal fires, our community-led education programmes have had a major impact. Programmes such as Celik S.U.R.I., targeted at housewives, were met with overwhelming participation while Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) played a crucial role in early suppression and public awareness.
Our public education campaigns have also been expanded across all major platforms – social media, radio, television, and print – to ensure fire prevention messages reach people from all walks of life.
These campaigns are supported by partnerships with local leaders, NGOs and grassroots organisations. Feedback mechanisms and community incentives have further encouraged participation.
But fire safety is not just about emergency response. It begins long before the first flame ignites. It is about prevention, education and shared responsibility.
Fire does not make appointments. It doesn’t knock on the door or wait for anyone to be ready. It doesn’t care about holidays, wealth or status. Fire is indiscriminate. It destroys in minutes what took years to build and it doesn’t offer second chances.
That is why a proactive mindset is essential. Every home should have smoke detectors tested regularly. Every family should know its escape plan. Every community should practise evacuation drills. These simple habits can save lives.
Fire safety also starts with good housekeeping. Cluttered spaces, blocked exits, flammable materials, and overused power sockets are all common but dangerous contributors to household fires. A clean, organised environment helps reduce ignition risk and improves response time in an emergency.
Regular maintenance is equally important. Electrical systems, cooking equipment, gas appliances, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers must be checked often. Neglecting maintenance does not just endanger property – it endangers lives.
Creating a strong fire safety culture means embedding safe habits into our daily lives. It’s about talking to neighbours, organising community clean-ups, participating in fire drills and encouraging others to be alert and responsible.
When workplaces, schools, homes and public spaces come together under the principles of good housekeeping and safety-minded maintenance, fire risks drop dramatically.
We all have a role to play. The fire safety of a community reflects its values and discipline. Inspect your homes, educate your family, and engage with your local fire station.
Get involved in community initiatives and stay informed. Fire safety is not the sole responsibility of Bomba or the authorities – it starts with every individual, at home, at work and in every space we occupy.
Let us not forget that the fire that never starts is the easiest to fight. In Malay, there is a saying, “Menang jadi arang, kalah jadi abu”, even in victory, we are left burnt; in defeat, we are reduced to ashes. There is no real winner when it comes to fire.
This is why we encourage everyone to turn FEAR – Face Everything and Rise – into meaningful action. Let us take responsibility for total fire safety. It is a collective effort that begins with each one of us and it must be maintained through consistency, awareness, and commitment.
To all Sarawakians, I urge you to avoid unsafe behaviours, attitudes and conditions. Stay safe and be safe. My motto, and that of Bomba Sarawak, remains: “We want to see you before the fire, not after.”
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at khirudin.drahman@bomba.gov.my.
