KAPIT – Emergency services were called to action on Monday evening following reports of a hazardous insect nest discovered near a residential property in the Melatai 2 area of Jalan Selirik.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) confirmed that they received a distress call at approximately 7:00 pm on 18 May 2026, requesting urgent assistance to deal with a swarm of stinging insects.
A team from the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Kapit) was immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the threat. Upon arrival, officers identified a sizeable wasp nest located in close proximity to a local dwelling.
Given the potential for serious allergic reactions or injury to residents, particularly during the evening hours when insects are more likely to be active and defensive, the crew prepared for a specialised “special service” operation to neutralise the threat.
The operation involved firefighters donning full protective gear to ensure safety against multiple stings. Using controlled methods, the team successfully destroyed the nest, ensuring that the venomous insects no longer posed a danger to the families living nearby.
The task was carried out swiftly to prevent any of the insects from relocating to other parts of the neighbourhood.
Situations involving stinging insects, such as wasps and hornets, are a frequent occurrence for Sarawak’s fire departments. Experts note that these insects often build nests in residential eaves or nearby trees during the drier months.
While they play a role in the ecosystem, their presence in high-traffic human areas is often deemed a public safety risk. Authorities regularly advise the public against attempting to remove such nests personally, as common wasps can become highly aggressive when their colony is disturbed.
The BBP Kapit crew conducted a final sweep of the Melatai 2 premises to ensure the area was entirely clear before concluding the operation. No injuries were reported amongst the residents or the responding fire personnel.
Residents in the Jalan Selirik area have expressed their gratitude for the rapid response, noting that the presence of the nest had caused significant anxiety for those with young children.
This latest intervention highlights the diverse range of duties performed by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, which extends far beyond firefighting to include animal rescues and the removal of hazardous biological threats.
The department remains on high alert to assist the community in Kapit and the surrounding districts with such specialised safety requirements.
