JBPM strengthens Fire Safety Education Through Community Engagement

Barnama

2 days ago

By Amanina Mohamad Yusof
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) continues to strengthen fire safety education by emphasising the principle of 'prevention is better than cure' through active community participation and structured programmes involving all age groups.
Its director-general, Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, said the awareness programmes cover children as young as five years old up to adults, using a phased and community-based approach.
'We begin with Kelab Bomba Cilik for children aged five to six, where they are given basic fire safety lessons and early exposure to water hazards, as JBPM also serves as the secretariat of the Water Activities Safety Council,' he told Bernama.
He said the education continues at secondary level through the Kadet Bomba programme, while at tertiary institutions, Fire Brigades have been set up in 12 institutions offering diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), along with the Kor Siswa Bomba in three public universities.
'When they are involved from a young age, they indirectly become part of the firefighters' family, which helps us engage with the community more effectively,' he added.
Nor Hisham said JBPM also launched the Bomba Junior programme last year to expand fire safety education in primary schools.
'Previously, no such programme existed at the primary level. We initially targeted 16 teams, but the response was overwhelming and now we have 273 teams,' he said.
The programme includes basic training such as marching drills conducted by firefighters and teachers, as well as swimming lessons as an additional safety skill.