Latest news with #AndyAlie
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Rural Sarawak communities face fire risks amid limited access, resources, says Sibu Bomba chief
Firefighters from Bomba Zone 4 Sibu in full gear as they prepare to respond to emergencies — a task made even more challenging in Sarawak's remote and hard-to-reach areas. – File photo SIBU (July 24): Communities in rural Sarawak remain vulnerable to fires due to poor road access, limited fire station coverage, and a shortage of firefighting resources, said Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 Sibu Chief, PgKB I Andy Alie. He said in many interior areas like Julau and Selangau, response time becomes a race against terrain with firefighting teams often face significant challenges, navigating narrow or unpaved roads, or even rivers, just to reach emergency sites. 'In some areas, weak mobile coverage further complicates efforts to even call for help,' Andy told The Borneo Post. 'With fire stations spread apart and firefighting resources stretched thin, delays in response can prove critical. 'In an emergency, every minute counts. For some longhouses, help could be 45 minutes away,' he said, citing Julau where the nearest station is located in Bintangor. Despite these challenges, Andy noted a positive shift in community engagement. 'Since January, we've conducted over 200 fire safety programmes in schools, kampungs, longhouses, and even industrial areas,' he said. 'People are responding well – especially in longhouses and schools. They're taking ownership of fire safety,' he shared. Among the department's active initiatives are the Junior Fire Club for students, the establishment of 17 community fire and rescue teams (CFRTs), and outreach programmes in longhouse communities through 25 fire awareness campaigns. 'These programmes are making a difference. We're already seeing fewer minor fires and fewer cases caused by the careless use of electricity,' Andy said. To improve emergency response, he said Bomba has proposed the construction of new fire stations in high-risk rural zones. 'Dalat, for example, is currently served by a station in Mukah which is up to 30 minutes away. 'In places like Julau, we're proposing new stations to bring help closer to the people,' he explained. However, he emphasised that fire safety is not just about physical infrastructure but also collaboration with communities. Looking ahead, Bomba Zone 4 Sibu will focus on strengthening its partnership with local leaders to promote grassroots-level fire prevention. Plans are also in place to expand the CFRT programme to more longhouses and remote areas. In tandem, he said firefighters will undergo more intensive training to prepare for natural disasters like floods and droughts. Fire safety audits will also be conducted at high-risk premises, including factories, schools, and elderly care centres, to ensure compliance. Andy also issued several reminders for household fire safety, particularly during dry spells and festive periods when risks are higher. 'Don't overload your sockets. Never leave stoves or candles unattended. Avoid open burning, especially during dry weather. 'And if you're going away, make sure your home is safe. Fire safety isn't just the job of firefighters. It starts with all of us,' he concluded. bomba fire risk lead poor road access rural areas
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Borneo Post
Husky saves family from venomous cobra at Sibu home
The cobra engaging in a defensive posture near the Husky in the car porch. SIBU (July 16): A vigilant Siberian Husky turned hero early this morning after its persistent barking led to the discovery of a venomous black spitting cobra at a residential car porch in Lorong Amber 2J, Sibu Jaya. Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Andy Alie said an emergency call was received at 8.21am, prompting a team from the Sibu Jaya station to be dispatched to the scene. 'Upon arrival, firefighters found a black cobra, about one metre long, in a defensive posture near the family's Husky in the car porch area,' Andy said when contacted today. The team used specialised equipment to safely capture the snake, which was later released into the wild, away from residential areas. A neighbour, who requested anonymity, said he was alerted by the Husky's relentless barking. 'I stepped outside to check and was shocked to see a black cobra with its hood flared, seemingly ready to strike at the dog,' he said. Following the incident, Andy advised residents to stay alert, especially during dry and hot weather when snakes are more likely to emerge in search of shelter or food. 'This case highlights the important role pets can play in detecting danger before humans do,' he said, adding that the neighbour's quick response helped prevent a potential incident. The Husky, which remained on high alert throughout the encounter, was reported to be safe and calm after the snake was removed.
Malay Mail
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Massive 60-hectare blaze rips through forest, oil palm estate in Sibu
SIBU, June 27 — A forest and oil palm estate spanning approximately 60 hectares in Batu 9, Jalan Oya, has been engulfed by fire in a large-scale blaze that can be seen from the air, prompting authorities to deploy drones for aerial monitoring. Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie confirmed that the fire, which began on June 24, continues to spread across an oil palm plantation, torching felled palm oil lots and encroaching into forested land within the estate. 'As of 4.40pm yesterday, approximately 60 hectares of land have already been destroyed by the flames. 'Our teams, along with the Department of Environment (NREB), are actively monitoring and documenting the situation,' said Andy when contacted today. Drone surveillance is ongoing, with NREB personnel on-site using high-resolution imaging to track the fire's movement and determine its full impact. Andy said fire fighters from Bomba Sungai Merah were dispatched earlier yesterday following a distress call at 1.56pm, reporting thick smoke billowing from a forested area near Jalan Rumah Bajai, Kampung Seduan. However, the team was unable to reach the actual burn site due to inaccessible terrain. 'According to the operation commander, the fire is located about 2km from the nearest road, well beyond the reach of firefighting vehicles and equipment,' Andy explained. 'Given the challenging access and safety risks, no direct firefighting could be carried out. Our efforts are now focused on working with the NREB drone unit to survey and identify the exact coordinates, as well as potential entry routes or water sources.' The operation ended at 2.39pm, with firefighters returning to base while aerial assessment continues. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Workshops damaged, luxury car destroyed in Sibu fire
The workshops engulfed in flames at Jalan Wawasan last night. SIBU (May 24): A fire engulfed two adjoining double-storey workshops at Jalan Wawasan here last night (May 23), severely damaging one of the premises and destroying a luxury vehicle. Sibu Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Andy Alie said the department received a distress call at 8.29pm. 'The fire is believed to have started at the Gong Yun Enterprise workshop before spreading to the adjacent unit,' he said in a statement, adding that no casualties were reported. The affected units were identified as 9A, Kiing Machinery Trading, and 9B, Gong Yun Enterprise. Andy said workshop 9A, measuring 100 by 40 feet, sustained about 80 per cent damage, while 9B suffered around 20 per cent damage, primarily to its fibre roofing layer. A luxury vehicle parked at the site was completely destroyed in the blaze. Firefighters from the Sungai Merah station responded with an offensive and defensive strategy, deploying two 300-foot hose lines and three water jets supplied by nearby hydrants. They were assisted by personnel from the Sibu Sentral station, bringing the total team to 23 firefighters and four vehicles, including two fire engines (FRT), a Hilux unit, and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle. Crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures, and the flames were fully extinguished by 11.11pm. The cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation. bomba fire Sibu workshops
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Fire destroys house in Sibu, firecrackers found inside
Firefighters attempting to bring the fire under control. – Bomba photo SIBU (May 10): A semi-detached house at Jalan Apollo Barat here was completely destroyed in a fire earlier this afternoon. Zone 4 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sibu chief Andy Alie said they received a distress call regarding the incident at 11.06am. 'Upon arrival, firefighters from the Sungai Merah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) along with backup from BBP Sibu Sentral found that the fire had engulfed a semi-detached permanent structure house, which was already 100 per cent destroyed,' he said in a statement today. According to him, the operation involved 20 personnel and the deployment of two Fire Rescue Tenders (FRT) and a Hilux pickup truck. 'Firefighting operations were carried out immediately to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby properties. 'An inspection also found that firecrackers were being stored inside the house,' Andy added. He said no injuries were reported in the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.
