SERIAN: The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has set up fire safety clubs for children as part of an initiative to raise awareness of practising fire safety. State Bomba director Khirudin Drahman @ Hussaini said that fire safety education must be taught at a very early age to children so that they understand the dangers of fire.
“The learning session must be simple yet fun for children between the ages of five and seven. We hope to see this initiative benefit our community in the next 10 years,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the Children Fire and Safety Club (Kelab Keselamatan Kebakaran Kanak-Kanak — 3K Kelab) Convocation at Serian Fire Station yesterday.
He further added that all 32 fire stations in Sarawak should implement the initiative. “This would enable them to better understand the importance of fire safety,” he said.
As of 2019, 179 clubs have been established across the state with a total of 5,143 registered members. Pointing out that the initiative has been successful in Kuala Lumpur, he said this was necessary since most fire-related deaths were due to delay in detecting the fire.
“All these points back to our attitude — that nothing can happen to us or our families. That is why when a fire happens, we panic and do not know what to do. Carbon monoxide, a gas that is produced during a fire, could leave a victim unconscious if there is no fire prevention equipment such as smoke detectors to give out a warning,” he explained.
Urging all parents in Sarawak to play their role in educating children on fire safety, he said such matters were usually taken for granted.
