Bomba’s human touch sets it apart from other govt depts: Director

KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is one of the very few government departments that emphasises human resources for effective service delivery, unlike other government agencies that rely on automation and fewer staff due to advanced office equipment.

Its director Datuk Khirudin Drahman highlighted the significance of the ‘human touch’ approach espoused by his department, stressing it has established a robust foundation for his department, setting it apart from other services and agencies.

“In our rescue operations, we prioritise human resources and are forward-thinking, even though we often hear about the use of robotics in operations. Human resources remain the most effective approach in handling situations,” he said.

He was speaking at the Bomba appreciation dinner at the Sungai Merah fire station here last night (Dec 14).

Khirudin also stressed the important of maintaining Bomba’s existing positive image among the people, adding that it should be a priority by every staff member.

He attributed this positive perception to the department’s commitment to the ‘No Wrong Door’ policy and its readiness to respond to any emergency call.

“While we could, from a legal standpoint, reject calls unrelated to the fire department’s tasks or shift responsibility to other agencies, the community, especially in remote areas, doesn’t see it that way when they need assistance.

“That’s why we’ve adopted a different approach — responding to every emergency call and moving forward,” he said.

At the event, Khirudin expressed gratitude by presenting certificates of appreciation to fire department members, the public, retired firefighters, and the media for their contributions to Bomba.

Also present were Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 chief Andy Alie and Sungai Merah Bomba chief Abdul Mutalib Jaafar.