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MBKS, Bomba empower Kuching villages with fire safety training under Safe City initiative

MBKS, Bomba empower Kuching villages with fire safety training under Safe City initiative

Borneo Post26-04-2025
Wee (third left) and Tiong (second left) jointly hand over a fire extinguisher unit to a programme participant.
KUCHING (April 27): Kuching South City Council (MBKS), in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) Sarawak Zon 1, have conducted a fire safety awareness programme, aimed at empowering local village communities with essential fire prevention and emergency response skills.
The two-day programme, held in the Tabuan Jaya area, saw the participation of 50 residents from five villages namely Kampung Tabuan Paya, Kampung Tabuan Jaya Tengah, Kampung Tabuan Dayak (Bukit), Kampung Sungai Nada, and Kampung Tabuan Laru.
Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training, including fire suppression simulations and the proper use of firefighting equipment.
Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, in his speech at the event, emphasised that fire safety is a shared responsibility and called for similar initiatives to be extended to more villages and residential areas.
'This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to building a more resilient and prepared community.
'It is not just about lectures – it is about empowering the communities with essential knowledge and practical training to respond effectively when fire incidents occur.
'MBKS believes that safety begins at home, and therefore, we will continue to work with partners such as Bomba to expand such programmes to other areas within the council's jurisdiction,' said Wee.
As part of its Safe City Programme initiative, MBKS contributed 10 units of fire extinguishers to the five villages under its jurisdiction to further enhance local preparedness.
Meanwhile, Bomba Sarawak Deputy Director Tiong Ling Hii said the initiative was designed as a platform to raise awareness and impart life-saving knowledge.
It also introduced the concept of 'community firefighters' where individuals were trained to act as first responders before emergency services arrive.
'This programme differs from traditional fire awareness or prevention campaigns.
'Through this initiative, participants are provided both theoretical and practical exposure to fire prevention and response techniques,' he explained. bomba Kuching lead MBKS Safe City villages
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