KANOWIT – A new initiative in Nanga Ngungun is reshaping how rural communities prepare for emergencies, with the launch of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) 2.0 Fire Cluster.
The programme is designed to equip residents with essential skills to act as first responders in fire-prone areas, particularly longhouses, which remain vulnerable to blazes due to their wooden structures and close living quarters.
The project was officially introduced by Ngemah State Assemblyman Anyi Jana, who emphasised that the team is not merely a group of volunteers but a trained unit capable of reducing risks before professional rescue services arrive.
“We are aware that Nanga Ngungun often faces the risk of fire, especially in longhouses and densely populated areas. Fires not only damage property, but also threaten lives. This programme is very strategic to ensure that the community is truly prepared to face emergencies,” he said during the launch.
Members of the CERT cluster will undergo a structured training programme covering both theory and practical elements.
This includes basic firefighting methods, the use of portable fire pumps, first aid, emergency coordination, and disaster simulations. The training is intended to build confidence among participants and ensure readiness in real-life scenarios.
The initiative aligns with the Sarawak Government’s broader focus on building resilience against climate change and environmental challenges.
According to disaster management experts, community-based response systems are increasingly recognised as vital in rural regions where access to professional services may be delayed.
Similar grassroots programmes, such as community firefighting teams and volunteer rescue associations across Malaysia, have proven effective in empowering residents to act swiftly during emergencies.
Anyi highlighted that the CERT cluster should serve as a model for other parts of Kanowit, which also face risks from both fire and flooding. He expressed hope that the initiative would expand across the district, creating a network of disaster-ready communities.
“If more communities are trained, we can create a network of disaster-resilient communities, thus making Kanowit a safe, prosperous and resilient district,” he added.
The launch event was attended by several key figures, including Paul Khiu Khon Chian, Chief Assistant Director representing the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), DSP Junical Ujal, Kanowit District Police Chief, Violet Tay Suan Boon from PETRONAS Sarawak, and Clinton Jelai, representing the Kanowit District Officer.
Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of the programme, which relies on partnerships between government agencies, private organisations, and local communities.
Observers note that the CERT 2.0 Fire Cluster reflects a growing emphasis on community empowerment in Sarawak’s disaster management strategy.
With rural areas often facing challenges such as limited infrastructure and delayed emergency response times, initiatives like this are seen as crucial in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
As Nanga Ngungun takes this step forward, the programme is expected to inspire similar efforts across Sarawak, reinforcing the state’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and community resilience.
