Khirudin (second from left) presenting a certificate to a new recruit at Sibujaya Fire and Rescue Station.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department has been receiving fewer emergency calls on fires this year.
Its director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said this was because people were seeking the department’s help in other areas instead.
“About 30% of the calls involve fire incidents while the rest are rescue missions among other services,” he said after launching the auxiliary fire officers recruitment training programme at Sibujaya Fire and Rescue Station in Sibu.
He added that calls for rescue missions included the need for an ambulance, drowning incidents, search and special services such as catching snakes in homes.
Khirudin said the decreasing number of fire calls was a positive trend.
“Firefighters also do not have problems with factory operators because they are required to have an emergency response team on site to deal with fires and emergencies,” he said.
Due to increasing public awareness on the importance of fire prevention, he said more properties could be salvaged.
“Last year, we recorded approximately less than 10% loss.
“In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we recorded 8% loss.
“When the community was complacent this year, property loss went up to 18%, but when we advocated for increased fire prevention, it dropped to below 10%,” added Khirudin.
He said the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department intensified efforts to reduce fire incidents by collaborating with the media to disseminate detailed information on fire prevention measures and what to do during a fire.
Also present at the event was Sibu Zone Fire and Rescue chief Andy Alie.
