Over 200 Community Fire Brigades In Sarawak

SIBU, May 25 (Bernama) – A total of 234 Community Fire Brigafes have been established throughout Sarawak since 2021 to strengthen the preparedness of the people in facing fires.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Jamri Masran said this initiative involved a total of 2,981 members, including 1,419 members from 98 teams based in longhouses, a key factor on the risk of fires breaking out in remote locations.

“The community’s involvement is very encouraging and proves that awareness of safety is increasing, especially among rural communities,” he said when closing the Gawai Dayak 2025 Festival Season Safety Campaign at the Pitre Abit Tayup Longhouse in Skim Bintangor near here today.

He said the establishment of these community fire brigades would not only increase the community’s ability to deal with fires early but also strengthen cooperation between JBPM and the local communitites.

According to him, the role of Community Fire Brigades has become increasingly important ahead of the Gawai Dayak festival season, which usually sees an increase in the risk of fires breaking out due to excessive use of electricity, open stoves and uncontrolled burning.

“Longhouses are the cultural heritage of the Dayak community and a symbol of unity but the flammable wooden structure makes them very vulnerable to the fire hazard. Therefore, with the presence of a trained community fire brigade, we can act more quickly and efficiently in emergency situations,” he said.

Jamri said the Gawai safety campaign aims to increase community awareness of fire safety aspects and promote a culture of prevention among longhouse residents.

Among the activities carried out are firefighting demonstrations, awareness talks and training to deal with emergency situations.

“The knowledge and fire-fighting skills acquired through this programme make for a useful guide for all longhouse residents, not only during the festive season but in everyday life (routines),” he added.

-- BERNAMA