Sikie: Longhouse safety bureaus essential to prevent fire tragedies

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Sikie (seated, second left), Asraf (seated left) and other guests, including longhouse residents giving a thumbs-up in support of the programme – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo
TATAU (June 29): A safety bureau must be established in every longhouse across Sarawak to prevent fire-related tragedies, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.
Sikie said that in light of recent incidents, such as the fire in Pekan Sangan and an earlier blaze this year at Rumah Radin Nyawai in Jalan Bukut, Balingian, proactive steps must be taken.
'Every longhouse must set up a dedicated safety bureau tasked with monitoring and promoting fire safety among its residents,' he said during the launch of the longhouse fire safety campaign, community firefighter programme and -Suri initiative at Rumah Jugah Injing, Tatau yesterday.
The Kakus assemblyman commended the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) for organising such a vital awareness programme.
He outlined the key responsibilities of the proposed bureau, including reminding residents to switch off gas stoves and electrical appliances immediately after use.
He also emphasised that new longhouse constructions should prioritise safety, such as using brick walls that extend up to the roof to help prevent the rapid spread of fire.
Additionally, he urged residents to engage certified electricians for any electrical wiring work and to avoid overloading power sockets.
'Each electrical appliance should have its own socket. Overloading can be extremely dangerous and is a common cause of fire,' he said.
Zone 5 Bintulu Bomba investigation officer Mohammad Asraf Ahmad, who was present at the event, said Bomba aims to establish community firefighter units in longhouses located far from fire stations, as longhouse fires account for the highest number of fire-related incidents in Sarawak.
'The goal of this programme is to educate longhouse residents about fire prevention and safety. Awareness is the first line of defence,' he said.
A fire extinguisher demonstration was also conducted during the event by the Tatau fire station team.
Also present were Sikie's wife Datin Melia Gelen, Tatau District Office administrative officer Raden Azamry Raden Perhan and Pemanca Gerosen Jubin. fire John Sikie Tayai lead safety bureau