LONG LAMA – The Kita Selamat community safety programme, co-organised by Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (Aset Sarawak) and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 6 Miri, concluded on Wednesday after a two-day session at SJKC Kee Tee Hall in Long Lama.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Dennis Ngau, the Telang Usan State Assemblyman, who commended JBPM and Petronas for selecting Telang Usan as the venue and urged future initiatives to emphasise more skills-based training.
He particularly encouraged swimming instruction for rural youth, observing that many young participants come from villages yet lack proficiency in swimming. “Training such as swimming for the youth should be continued,” he said.
Ngau also appealed to Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) to emulate the Long Lama Fire Association, which raises funds independently to purchase water pumps for emergencies.
He noted that relying solely on government allocations may delay responses: “When a fire occurs, quick action can save property and lives. With its own pump machines, at least residents can act quickly before help arrives.”
Representing JBPM and Petronas, Jamri Masran, JBPM Sarawak Director, and Shalby Reduan, Petronas Carigali Senior General Manager, respectively, joined the ceremony, along with Mike Arthur Nakabok, the Telang Usan District Officer’s representative.
Reduan emphasised that the programme aligns with Petronas’ ongoing commitment to promoting safety awareness in remote communities. He stated: “This programme not only provides basic rescue and firefighting training, but also builds awareness that safety is a shared responsibility.
The community needs to be prepared to face any eventuality.” Petronas highlights its community engagement efforts under its “positive social impact” agenda.
Over the two days, participants attended safety briefings, watched firefighting demonstrations, and engaged in river rescue training led by professional fire officers.
As part of the closing, organisers distributed 50 portable fire extinguishers to ten villages: Kampung Uma Akeh, Kampung Kayan Long Lama, Long Puak, Long Banyok, Long Ikang, Long Laput, Kampung Sungai Dua, Long Urun, Long Sibong, and Kampung Cina Long Lama (Shoplot). This gesture aims to bolster local capacity to respond to fire outbreaks prior to external arrival.
With around 90 participants, including trainees and secretariat staff, the programme is adjudged successful in elevating disaster preparedness, empowering rural communities, and strengthening cooperation among government bodies, the corporate sector, and residents.