– extracted and adapted from RAKAN Sarawak July-September 2021 –
In his 2021 New Year Message, Director General of Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) YAS Dato’ Sri Ts. Mohammad Hamdan bin Haji Wahid highlighted six key focus areas that the department would prioritise to further enhance its roles and capabilities in the security sector.
One of which is the strategic implementation under the National Fire and Rescue Policy 2020-2030 (Dasar Kebombaan dan Penyelamat Negara or DKPN 2020-2030) to boost the level of protection and public awareness on fire safety and emergency management.
The policy outlines four main thrusts – a safer environment; safety practices and culture; inclusive and strategic cooperation; and strengthening of capacity and capability – through which JBPM strives to achieve the following goals:
- Reduction of per capita death and property destruction by 10 percent
- Increased systematic management of emergencies and disasters
- A more comprehensive level of security protection
- Efficiency level of fire service in line with risk index
- National emergency management technology in line with the industrial revolution and rapid physical development
- Improved public awareness of safety
- Better community involvement and safety culture
- Greater community resilience
- Increased compliance with safety regulations
- Enhanced level of shared responsibility among the community
Examples of Initiatives by JBPM under DKPN 2020-2030
Thrust 1: A Safer Environment
- Create and enable Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in residential areas, and public and private premises
- Enable the community as risk assessors and citizen life-savers
- Provide monitoring mechanisms and emergency first aid equipment at public premises and areas
- Expand dissemination system of risk areas and types as well as emergency signals through public communication media
- Establish accreditation and registration system for manufacturers and contractors of fire safety installation
Thrust 2: Safety Practices and Culture
- Develop fire safety learning modules and co-curricular activities in schools and tertiary institutions
- Strengthen water activity safety awareness programmes in schools, tertiary institutions and communities
- Increase the establishment of Volunteer Firefighting Teams to 500 by 2030
- Enhance firefighting programmes with the community (e.g. SURI, 1RAPI, KuKenal, Bomba Komuniti, Community Fire Drill)
- Provide community learning and public awareness simulation facilities, including the use of virtual/augmented reality and interactive applications
Thrust 3: Inclusive and Strategic Cooperation
- Establish collaboration in emergency/fire prevention and control at high-risk premise/installation such as the oil and gas industry, high-rise buildings and hazardous chemical factories
- Form strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions in fire engineering education
- Establish cooperation with professional bodies to improve knowledge and understanding related to requirements of security law provisions
- Establish cooperation with management or providers of special group care centres such as persons with disabilities and the elderly
- Establish collaborative programmes with industry players and organisations to intensify the development and production of firefighting products
Thrust 4: Strengthening of Capacity and Capability
- Establish and develop Metropolitan Fire Brigades in major cities
- Improve coordination of Inter-agency Emergency Support System among emergency organisations
- Develop human capital skills in fire and firefighting safety for public and private sectors
- Develop Public Data System for profiles of buildings and at-risk areas for the public, emergency agencies and educational institutions
- Provide emergency plans and contingency actions for incidents involving mass casualties
Source: JPBM Sarawak
