JBPM Sarawak Ready To Handle Increase In Fires

KUCHING, March 28 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) Sarawak has sufficient resources, personnel and officers to handle the current rise in fire incidents in the state, said its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.

He said the state’s preparedness is supported by a personnel-to-population ratio above the national average, as well as operational strategies at station, zone and state levels, including shift adjustments, leave freezes and redeployment of personnel.

“JBPM Sarawak continues to maintain efficient response times, depending on location and accessibility, especially in challenging areas,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

He said the department is working with various agencies, but stressed that integrated enforcement by local authorities, the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is crucial.

Nor Hisham said standard operating procedures (SOP) on open burning set clear guidelines for all parties, including plantation and agricultural land owners, with requirements for the deployment of logistics and firefighting personnel to enable faster initial response.

He added that satellite imagery is used to identify hotspots, although public reports remain the most effective for early detection.

He said fire and disaster operations would be coordinated under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) if required, particularly for large-scale incidents beyond state-level capacity.

Meanwhile, several new fire stations are being developed in stages in Sungai Asap (Belaga), Engkelili (Sri Aman) and Dalat (Mukah) to improve response time and expand coverage, especially in rural and interior areas.

He also advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid open burning, particularly during hot weather.

JBPM Sarawak reported fires in Kampung Penasu, Daro and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sibu, affecting about 10 and 16 hectares respectively, while a fire in Kuala Tatau–Serupai, Bintulu, now in its sixth day, has affected about 400 hectares, with 100 hectares brought under control yesterday.

-- BERNAMA