By Nancy Nais
BARAM, July 13: Four villages from the Kayan community here are now involved with the state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) community fire team programme.
Long Laput, Long Bemang, Uma Bawang and Uma Akeh successfully formed 13 Bomba Komuniti teams consisting 135 villagers.
“The Bomba Komuniti programme is one of the methods, where communities can be empowered to act first during fire incidents, while waiting for Bomba to arrive, so that the fire can be controlled immediately,” state Bomba director Khirudin Drahman said.
He was speaking at the commissioning of the new 135 community firefighters ceremony, Fire Point Program and the handing over of Incident Action Plan (IAP) equipment at Long Laput on Thursday (July 11).
“Programmes like this are one of the best options for ‘fire point’. Their presence would help the community prepare and study for emergency cases,” he added.
The volunteer firefighters were taught on longhouse management, building evacuation procedures, how to use fire extinguisher, identification of fire equipment and practical use, rescue procedures and giving basic emergency assistance to victims.
“These groups will play an important role in delivering fire safety and prevention knowledge to their fellow villagers, as well as establishing direct links between firefighters and communities.
“They are trained to take proactive actions in the event if something happen in the village, because they are the first respondents,” he explained.
The programme at Long Laput was jointly organised with Petronas Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP).
Apart from fire extinguishers, SSGP also gave few sets of IAP equipment for the villages.
Khirudin applauded the efforts of participants, community leaders and SSGP for their commitment, as well as the support of the Marudi fire station in setting up the Komuniti Bomba.
He emphasised on the 3L syndrome “Lupa, Leka dan Lalai”, which refers to forgetfulness, carelessness and negligent attitudes of the public, as among the major contributors to fires incidences.
Appreciating Bomba and SSGP’s effort in helping and giving back to the community, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng said it is a relief for them now that four villages are part of the Bomba Komuniti.
“As you know, our villages in Baram are far from the main city and any fire station. So I am thankful to these villagers for participating in Bomba Komuniti.
“Next step is to have Bomba volunteers in our villages,” she said. — DayakDaily
