By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 15: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has urged longhouse residents, particularly those in remote rural areas, to consider forming their own voluntary fire-fighting squads as a proactive step towards community safety.
Uggah, who is also the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, underscored the necessity of such squads in areas located far from the nearest Fire and Rescue Department.
“When you are very far away from the nearest Fire and Rescue Department, this (fire-fighting squad) is a real necessity,” he said and cited a recent incident at a college in Betong where its internal fire-fighting team played a key role in helping contain a blaze before it spread.
Uggah added that he, alongside Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, would look into mechanisms to encourage the establishment of more voluntary fire squads in Bukit Saban, which encompasses 94 longhouses.
According to Uggah, each squad would be provided with a suitable vehicle, pump engine, and hoses, while members would undergo training to ensure they are prepared and capable during emergencies.
He also highlighted the importance of asset maintenance and proposed the establishment of a control centre to coordinate responses and communications.
The squads, once formed, would be officially registered with the Fire and Rescue Department to ensure recognition and integration as first responders during fire incidents.
The fire prevention and fire-fighting programme was aimed at preparing women residents with basic fire safety knowledge and emergency response skills.
During the event, Rh Johnical Lanyau longhouse received five fire extinguishers, and as it is connected to the Betong water grid, additional hoses were supplied as well.
In his speech, Dr Richard pointed out that most longhouse fires begin in the kitchen, with unauthorised electrical extensions and faulty wiring also being common causes.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department and chaired by Natasha Uggah, who heads the Bukit Saban Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women Wing. –DayakDaily
