JBPM strengthens Fire Safety Education Through Community Engagement

By Amanina Mohamad Yusof

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) continues to strengthen fire safety education by emphasising the principle of “prevention is better than cure” through active community participation and structured programmes involving all age groups.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said the awareness programmes cover children as young as five years old up to adults, using a phased and community-based approach.

“We begin with Kelab Bomba Cilik for children aged five to six, where they are given basic fire safety lessons and early exposure to water hazards, as JBPM also serves as the secretariat of the Water Activities Safety Council,” he told Bernama.

He said the education continues at secondary level through the Kadet Bomba programme, while at tertiary institutions, Fire Brigades have been set up in 12 institutions offering diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), along with the Kor Siswa Bomba in three public universities.

“When they are involved from a young age, they indirectly become part of the firefighters’ family, which helps us engage with the community more effectively,” he added.

Nor Hisham said JBPM also launched the Bomba Junior programme last year to expand fire safety education in primary schools.

“Previously, no such programme existed at the primary level. We initially targeted 16 teams, but the response was overwhelming and now we have 273 teams,” he said.

The programme includes basic training such as marching drills conducted by firefighters and teachers, as well as swimming lessons as an additional safety skill.

“Our awareness programmes aim to educate the public on fire prevention and emergency safety, train them to be more prepared while awaiting rescuers, and instil the understanding that safety is a shared responsibility, not solely the authorities’,” he said.

Community engagement, he said, is further promoted through talks, exhibitions, fire drills and initiatives such as ‘One Home, One Fire Extinguisher’ and the Sedia Urus Risiko Isirumah (SURI), with more than 12,000 programmes targeted annually.

Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said no fees are charged for events held at fire stations, except when the hall facilities are used.

“Many people prefer the engine bay as it provides an atmosphere closer to the firefighting world, including for events such as birthday celebrations.

“When programmes are held at stations under the Community Fire Learning Centre (CFLC) initiative, we usually request 15 minutes to provide a fire prevention briefing,” he said.

He noted that CFLC not only brings firefighters closer to the community but also reflects the department’s commitment to providing the best public service.

“As a government agency, we take this opportunity to provide a positive narrative about public service delivery.

“Such programmes also inspire children to consider firefighting as a career, while creating meaningful memories for them,” he said.

-- BERNAMA