KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) is establishing a Safety Water and Rescue Team or SWART in Sarawak.
According to Sarawak Bomba director Datuk Khirudin Drahman, SWART would be established in two locations, namely Tanjung Bako and Santubong, with training held from March 3 to 16.
“Trained and experienced local fishermen will become part of the auxiliary firefighting team or ‘Pasukan Bomba Sukarela’ (PBS).
“Sarawak has many hotspots identified as high-risk areas for drowning incidents and unfortunately the drowning rate in the state is among the highest in the country.
“We have been receiving enquiries about our Mountain and Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) team from our counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. Similarly, local elected representatives have also enquired on the possibility of a MOCSAR team to be set up in other locations in Sarawak.
“The set-up would be based on risk assessments and needs, but we have proposed for PBS with a similar approach. Therefore, we are now setting up SWART in Santubong and Tanjung Bako to cover Bako National Park,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Tuesday (March 8).
He noted that it was crucial to have trained local experts who could assist Bomba because “they are the ones with the community most of the time.”
“The local fishermen, with their knowledge, will be an asset. We are hoping to set up SWART in Trombol beach and Telaga Air as well.”
Over the course of two weeks, the auxiliary firefighters for SWART will undergo theoretical training encompassing the standard operating procedures (SOP), organisational hierarchy and governing laws, among others, followed by practical training.
Recalling his recent visit to Gunung Mulu National Park from March 1 to 3 for engagement sessions with the MOCSAR team, Khirudin commended the high level of commitment, teamwork and camaraderie showcased by the team.
“I am very proud of how well the MOCSAR team has been doing, especially in taking care of the local community in Mulu. For instance, the team assisted the local community affected by floods through the delivery of food aid.
“Community resilience is what the department wishes to cultivate and nurture. We want the local people to be able to help their own community because the first five minutes of an incident determines whether it will remain at the minor level or escalate into something worse.”
Khirudin also assured that the department would assist the MOCSAR team to acquire the necessary equipment needed for search and rescue operations.
