Latest news with #FireandRescueDepartment


Sinar Daily
6 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Husband and wife found charred in Kota Belud house fire
The fire involved a permanent structure house which was completely destroyed, along with a Proton Saga vehicle. A married couple was found burned to death in a house fire at Kampung Sangkir here in the early hours of Thursday. KOTA BELUD – A married couple was found burned to death in a house fire at Kampung Sangkir here in the early hours of Thursday. In the incident that occurred at about 2.30am, the man and woman - both 47 years old and yet to be identified - were discovered in the bathroom. Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Elgi Bakuk said they received an emergency call regarding the fire at 2.52am. He said a team of 12 personnel was dispatched to the scene, located 12.2 kilometres from the Kota Belud station. A married couple was found burned to death in a house fire at Kampung Sangkir here in the early hours of Thursday. 'The fire involved a permanent structure house which was completely destroyed, along with a Proton Saga vehicle. 'Upon inspection, two victims were found charred in the bathroom,' he said in a statement. Elgi added that the remains of the victims were handed over to the police for further action. 'The fire extinguishing operation concluded at 4.55am after confirming there was no remaining danger at the scene,' he said. Fire and Rescue Department


New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Married couple found burnt in bathroom after house fire
KOTA BELUD: A married couple was found burnt to death in a house fire that broke out in Kampung Sangkir early this morning. The victims, Mamat @ Jamrin Sinti and his wife, Noorijah Rashid, both aged 47, were discovered in the bathroom of the property. District Fire and Rescue station chief Elge Bakuk said an emergency call was received at 2.52am. A team of 10 personnel, along with a fire engine and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit, was dispatched to the scene to carry out firefighting operations. "Upon arrival, the fire had fully engulfed a single-storey permanent structure. A Proton Saga parked nearby was also destroyed in the blaze. "After the fire was brought under control at 3.22am, two victims were found burnt in the bathroom," he said when contacted today. He added that the operation used one hose line and two jets, with water sourced from the fire engine. "The victims' remains were handed over to the police for further action. Once it was confirmed that there were no other hazards at the site, the operation concluded at 4.55am," he said. Meanwhile, district police chief Superintendent Shahrudin Mat Husain said the couple's remains were taken to the Forensic Unit of Kota Belud Hospital for a post-mortem examination. "The man worked as a rubber tapper. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire and Rescue Department," he said.


Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Rural Sarawak communities face fire risks amid limited access, resources, says Sibu Bomba chief
Firefighters from Bomba Zone 4 Sibu in full gear as they prepare to respond to emergencies — a task made even more challenging in Sarawak's remote and hard-to-reach areas. – File photo SIBU (July 24): Communities in rural Sarawak remain vulnerable to fires due to poor road access, limited fire station coverage, and a shortage of firefighting resources, said Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 Sibu Chief, PgKB I Andy Alie. He said in many interior areas like Julau and Selangau, response time becomes a race against terrain with firefighting teams often face significant challenges, navigating narrow or unpaved roads, or even rivers, just to reach emergency sites. 'In some areas, weak mobile coverage further complicates efforts to even call for help,' Andy told The Borneo Post. 'With fire stations spread apart and firefighting resources stretched thin, delays in response can prove critical. 'In an emergency, every minute counts. For some longhouses, help could be 45 minutes away,' he said, citing Julau where the nearest station is located in Bintangor. Despite these challenges, Andy noted a positive shift in community engagement. 'Since January, we've conducted over 200 fire safety programmes in schools, kampungs, longhouses, and even industrial areas,' he said. 'People are responding well – especially in longhouses and schools. They're taking ownership of fire safety,' he shared. Among the department's active initiatives are the Junior Fire Club for students, the establishment of 17 community fire and rescue teams (CFRTs), and outreach programmes in longhouse communities through 25 fire awareness campaigns. 'These programmes are making a difference. We're already seeing fewer minor fires and fewer cases caused by the careless use of electricity,' Andy said. To improve emergency response, he said Bomba has proposed the construction of new fire stations in high-risk rural zones. 'Dalat, for example, is currently served by a station in Mukah which is up to 30 minutes away. 'In places like Julau, we're proposing new stations to bring help closer to the people,' he explained. However, he emphasised that fire safety is not just about physical infrastructure but also collaboration with communities. Looking ahead, Bomba Zone 4 Sibu will focus on strengthening its partnership with local leaders to promote grassroots-level fire prevention. Plans are also in place to expand the CFRT programme to more longhouses and remote areas. In tandem, he said firefighters will undergo more intensive training to prepare for natural disasters like floods and droughts. Fire safety audits will also be conducted at high-risk premises, including factories, schools, and elderly care centres, to ensure compliance. Andy also issued several reminders for household fire safety, particularly during dry spells and festive periods when risks are higher. 'Don't overload your sockets. Never leave stoves or candles unattended. Avoid open burning, especially during dry weather. 'And if you're going away, make sure your home is safe. Fire safety isn't just the job of firefighters. It starts with all of us,' he concluded. bomba fire risk lead poor road access rural areas


Borneo Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Bomba: Five hotspots identified across Sarawak, fire stations in affected divisions on high alert
Jamri speaks to reporters after the event. – Photo by Jenifer Laeng MIRI (July 23): Five hotspots have been identified by the relevant authorities across Sarawak and these are likely contributing to hazy conditions made worse by persistent hot and dry weather, said Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Jamri Masran. He said fire stations in the affected divisions are on high alert and are carrying out close monitoring. 'The five identified hotspots are located at Kampung Selarat in Lundu (Kuching), Kampung Lachau Jinggau (Sri Aman), Rumah Pilai (Sibu), Lusong Laku (Kapit), and Long Tuyuk (Limbang),' he told reporters after officiating at the Bomba Sarawak Monthly Assembly at Lopeng Fire Station here today. He said all personnel in the respective divisions have been mobilised to monitor the affected areas and take proactive measures to mitigate any potential fire risk. 'For the hotspot in Limbang, although it does not fall within Miri's vicinity, the Lutong Fire and Rescue Station has been assigned to maintain continuous observation of the area,' he said. Jamri stressed that Bomba remains in a state of preparedness throughout the year, not just during dry spells or haze periods, due to the increasingly unpredictable nature of current weather patterns. 'The weather nowadays is very inconsistent – one moment it's scorching hot, the next it's raining, which makes early prediction and planning a challenge,' he said. In his speech, Jamri said the department would continue advancing its integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in line with the rapid pace of global technological developments. He said the implementation of AI within the department is a strategic initiative capable of transforming operational processes and significantly enhancing organisational efficiency. 'AI offers faster and more effective data processing capabilities compared to conventional methods, enabling the department to make more accurate decisions based on complex and extensive data analysis. 'With systems such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Machine Learning, many repetitive and labour-intensive tasks can now be carried out more efficiently and without error. 'For instance, fire safety plan processing can now be completed within a day compared to the previous time frame of 14 days,' he said. Jamri also touched on the directive regarding the Prohibition on Making Public Statements Under Subregulation 19(1) of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993. According to the directive, he said public officers are prohibited from making any public statements that may tarnish or discredit the government's image. 'Public officers are not allowed to make any comments that highlight the weaknesses of any government policy, plan or decision, or circulate any such statements or remarks whether made by themselves or others,' he explained. Jamri (back centre) presents a certificate of appreciation to Special Tactical Operations and Rescue Team of Malaysia leader Rorudi Umas for his team's hard work and dedication in the recent search and rescue operation at Pujut 7 Miri. From back left are Ahmad Nizam, Ismaidi, and Sofian. – Photo by Jenifer Laeng He emphasised that the government is committed to optimising the use of communication media, particularly social media, to ensure transparent and responsible dissemination of information related to government policies. 'Social media is a vital platform for enabling government agencies to communicate swiftly and effectively with the public and stakeholders, enhancing the delivery of government services. 'I therefore urge all Sarawak Bomba personnel to be prudent when making any statements, comments, or posts. Refrain from spreading false information, inciting remarks, slander, provocation, or any claims that cannot be verified,' he stressed. During the same event, Jamri also presented certificates of appreciation to several Bomba officers, strategic partners, agencies, and media representatives for their continued support, dedication, and collaboration with the department. Among those present were Sarawak Regional Air Base commander Asst Fire Commr Sofian Ahmed@Ibrahim, Fire Safety Division deputy director Senior Fire Supt Ahmad Nizam Sapaiee, and Zone 6 Miri Fire chief Senior Fire Supt Ismaidi Ismail. hotspots Jamri Masran lead


New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Body of Filipino found in 16th-floor condo unit
GEORGE TOWN: A Filipino national was found dead in a condominium unit in Sungai Ara early this morning. The discovery prompted a joint operation by the Fire and Rescue Department and police to remove the body from the 16th floor via the lift. The deceased, identified as Dumayas Jefferson, believed to be in his 40s, was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics. Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said they received a distress call at 7.19am regarding the incident. He said a team from the Bayan Baru fire station was dispatched to the scene. The operation was carried out at the request of police to assist in the retrieval of the body and was completed at 7.49am. The cause of death and investigation is ongoing.