Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JBPM 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 explained.
He further elaborated that education continues at the 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 also highlighted that JBPM launched the Bomba Junior programme last year to expand fire safety education in primary schools. Initially targeting 16 teams, the programme now boasts 273 teams due to overwhelming response. It includes basic training such as marching drills and swimming lessons as an additional safety skill.
He emphasized the aim of these awareness programmes to educate the public on fire prevention and emergency safety, promoting the understanding that safety is a shared responsibility. Community engagement is further promoted through talks, exhibitions, fire drills, and initiatives like ‘One Home, One Fire Extinguisher’ and Sedia Urus Risiko Isirumah (SURI), with more than 12,000 programmes targeted annually.
Additionally, Nor Hisham mentioned that no fees are charged for events held at fire stations, except when hall facilities are used. Stations under the Community Fire Learning Centre (CFLC) initiative offer fire prevention briefings, enhancing community interaction and reflecting the department’s commitment to public service. “Such programmes also inspire children to consider firefighting as a career, while creating meaningful memories for them,” he noted.