Community fire brigades in Sarawak strengthened to boost fire safety

BINTULU (Feb 4): Community fire brigades are the frontline defence before firefighters and efforts to strengthen them in the state continue to gain momentum, said Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Jamri Masran.

He said 48 fire brigades were established in 2023, increasing to 58 in 2024 and surging to 101 in 2025.

“The establishment of these brigades aims to ensure that communities possess the knowledge, skills, and capability to act promptly in the event of a fire,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report.

He was speaking during the ‘Komuniti Prihatin, Kediaman Selamat Bersama Bomba Sarawak 2026’ at Boulevard Shopping Mall here on Tuesday.

The event was also attended by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang, Bintulu police chief Supt Nixon Joshua Ali, and Bintulu District Officer Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan.

Jamri also shared that residential fires remained a major contributor to property loss and fatalities, with 2,106 calls about fire in 2025.

“Although there was a slight decrease in fire calls from 2023 and 2024, the overall numbers remain concerning and require continued preventive efforts. Education awareness and community involvement are key for reducing fire risks,” he said.

He said that in Bintulu alone, 13 community fire brigades have been established.

Meanwhile, Dr Sim said the festive season was often associated with increased cooking activities, excessive use of electrical appliances, decor installation and the use of flammable materials.

“Fire safety is not only the responsibility of the authorities, but also a shared responsibility of the entire community.

“Early prevention, education, community awareness, and vigilance is timely and can reduce the risk of fire and ensure a safe Chinese New Year, even in the Year of the Fire Horse,” he said.