Sim Kui Hian: Strengthen Fire Safety Organizations to Enhance Emergency Response and Disaster Prevention Capabilities

(Miri, 4th) Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian stated that the establishment of fire safety organizations within each unit and premises is vitally important, as it helps ensure that all organizations remain in optimal preparedness at all times and can serve as the first line of emergency response in the event of sudden fire incidents.

He said that relevant units should also strengthen close cooperation with the Sarawak State Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, further enhancing overall fire prevention and emergency capabilities through participation in fire safety activities and professional consulting services.

As he was unable to attend the Fire Department's dinner and the "Fire Safety Organization Strengthening Training Competition" awards ceremony held last night at the Eastwood Golf Club, his speech was read by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Sim Kui Hian pointed out that this competition provided participating teams with an excellent platform to test their unit's skills, efficiency, and preparedness in the face of emergencies, while also enabling participants to grasp the correct actions to take immediately when a fire occurs.

He said the purpose of establishing fire safety organizations is to seize the golden window to control and extinguish a fire before professional firefighters arrive. Therefore, members serving as "first responders" play an extremely crucial role. At the same time, they also bear the important responsibility of providing accurate information to the Fire Department.

He said that this competition attracted enthusiastic participation from many units in the northern region, covering various types of premises in the Miri and Limbang divisions, which fully reflects the rising fire safety awareness across all sectors of society.

"I hope that similar competitions can continue to be held regularly in the future to ensure participants continuously hone their skills, keep up with the times, and respond to new challenges."

He also congratulated all participating teams and encouraged those who did not win to keep working hard and strive for improvement.

At the same time, he congratulated the Sarawak State Fire and Rescue Department, as well as the Sarawak Fire Sports and Welfare Association (PESKEBS), for their successful organization of this event, making positive contributions to raising the level of fire safety in the state.