Students gain new skills from Bomba cadet programme, says fire chief

Khirudin (left) placing the rank on a Bomba cadet, assisted by Leong Chin Chin (second from right) from Education Department, witnessed by state Bomba assistant director (Operations) Tiong Ling Hii (right).
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By Nancy Nais

KUCHING, Feb 25: The elements of science and engineering learnt by Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) cadets have helped the students deal with disasters, including fire, said state Bomba director Khirudin Drahman.

“In fact, there are records of members from the Bomba cadets who have helped in rescuing victims of fire and other disasters,” he said at the closing ceremony for a state Bomba Cadet Leadership Course here today.

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Speaking to 75 students from 11 secondary schools who took part in the three-day programme, Khirudin urged the cadets to use and share the knowledge gained.

“Remember what you’ve learned and use it when it is needed. In panic situations, don’t act blindly without any direction.

“Use your wisdom and always try to plan quickly and critically. Think outside the box. Be alert and conscious of the environment. Make that as your own self-identity,” he advised the cadets.

He added that when it comes to any disaster, everything is a matter of survival and how prepared the person is in handling it.

“Know yourself and your own weakness. Know your enemy and the victory is yours,” he said.

To-date, there are 7,694 fire-fighting cadets from 94 teams comprising school students across Sarawak.

Apart from applying and practising the science of firefighting, the Bomba cadet initiative was established to foster awareness of fire hazards, preventive measures, self-confidence and responsibility towards property and society, strengthen the cooperation and understanding between members of Bomba nationwide and create interest among the younger generations to be firefighters.

The cadets were also encouraged to continue their membership even after their secondary school days.

For university students, there is a brigade unit, which they can join and continue their contributions to society. — DayakDaily

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