Protecting lives and homes via fire prevention awareness

SIBU: Fire prevention measures significantly reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities caused by fires ensuring the safety of community members.

Pointing out this, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek said preventing fires helps protect homes, buildings, and valuable assets from damage or destruction, preserving the community’s infrastructure and resources.

Speaking at the fire prevention awareness programme organised by the Sibu Lanang Community Society (SLCS) in collaboration with Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) at Hann Residence here, on Wednesday, he also highlighted other key points on the importance of fire prevention awareness to the community.

Chieng said fire prevention awareness also builds a more resilient community by fostering awareness, preparedness, and proactive measures, reducing the impact of fire-related disasters.

Chieng holds a wet towel, guided by a fireman on ways to extinguish fire at a cooking stove during the fire prevention demonstration.

On resources conservation, he stated that by averting fires, communities save on emergency response resources, enabling these resources to be allocated effectively during emergencies.

“Fire prevention efforts minimise environmental damage, such as air and water pollution, preserving the local ecosystem,” Chieng added.

In his speech earlier, organising chairman Ling Shii Ngie hoped through this programme would enhance the experience and knowledge on the causes of fires, fire preventon and saving lives if a fire occurs.

This, he said, is very important in ensuring that the risk of fire can be avoided and that the lives and property of the residents are saved from any fire outbreak.

“Recently, we are often surprised by incidents that we don’t want, which involve fires in residential houses and shops.

Chieng (seated sixth left) flanked by Andy (on his left), Chew (on his right) in a group session with the participants.

“Such incidences may be avoided if residents are given guidance, understanding and disclosure related to the risks that can lead to fire outbreak and also the preventive measures that need to be taken when dealing with fire situations, especially those that occur in the early stages,” he said.

Ling also expressed his utmost appreciation to the organising committee members who worked hard to ensure the success of the meaningful event.

At the event, demonstrations including on proper usage of fire extinguisher against fire outbreak were also conducted.

Among those present were Zone 4 Fire Chief Andy Alie, Sibu Central Fire Station Head Suna Kaha and SLCS chairman Chew Kong Ang.