Curtin Malaysia champions fire safety in Ulu Teru with impactful awareness programme

Miri, Sarawak – 4 September 2024 – Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) took the initiative to enhance fire safety awareness in rural Sarawak recently, organising a ‘Fire Safety Awareness Programme’ in Ulu Teru, Baram. The initiative, a collaborative effort with MSTS-Asia Miri, engaged over 100 participants from 15 longhouses, focusing on education and practical fire safety skills.

Held at Rumah Abok, Ulu Teru, the programme targeted critical issues such as fire hazards and prevention. Associate lecturers Josfirin Uding Anak Rangga and Nancy Anak Ujan from Curtin Malaysia led the event, alongside Rona Bang Tan, Head of the Health Sciences Department at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences.

This initiative underscored the university’s dedication to promoting fire safety awareness, a critical aspect of community well-being and resilience. It not only highlighted Curtin Malaysia’s proactive approach to community engagement but also its commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the local community through education and empowerment.

The event kicked off with interactive sessions for children, led by Curtin Malaysia Bachelor of Science in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) students Chiew Jia Hao and Ashley Dominic, which used games and demonstrations to teach essential fire safety practices. This hands-on approach ensured that the young participants not only understood the importance of fire prevention but were also equipped with the knowledge to act swiftly in emergencies.

The counselling team from Curtin Malaysia’s Department of Health, Counselling and Disability Services also played a vital role, offering a session on psychological first aid led by university counsellors Jessica Anak Akang and Chua Su Hua. This session equipped community members with the tools to support those emotionally affected by fire incidents, a crucial aspect often overlooked in disaster response.

Meanwhile, Josfirin delivered an insightful lecture on fire safety awareness and prevention, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. In a session that captivated both teenagers and adults, Josfirin shed light on the common causes of fires in longhouses, emphasizing the vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed in these settings.

He guided participants through practical, preventive measures that can be seamlessly integrated into daily life. From identifying fire hazards to mastering the correct methods for extinguishing different types of fires, the lecture provided invaluable knowledge that could make the difference between safety and disaster.

Josfirin’s message was clear: vigilance and preparedness are the community’s strongest defences against fire incidents. His session not only equipped participants with essential fire safety skills but also instilled a renewed sense of responsibility to protect their homes and loved ones.

A highlight of the programme was a fire drill and first aid demonstration by MSTS-Asia Miri, where participants learned to use fire extinguishers and apply emergency skills such as CPR and burn treatment.

MSTS-Asia Manager for Training and Operation (East Malaysia),Wilson Lio Apoi, Safety Trainer Ian Tingang, and others in their team led the session. Participants were guided through the process of responding to a fire, from identifying the alarm to executing an orderly evacuation. They were also given hands-on instruction on using fire extinguishers and how to safely extinguish different types of fires. This practical training reinforced the importance of preparedness and gave participants confidence in managing real-life fire emergencies.

The event concluded with a briefing for 200 youths and adults, led by Nancy Anak Ujan and aimed at empowering the community with knowledge that extends beyond fire safety, contributing to their overall well-being and resilience. The attendees were encouraged to pursue further education and stay informed about fire safety and other health-related topics.

Dato Anyi Ngau, Member of Parliament for Baram, who attended the closing ceremony, praised Curtin Malaysia and MSTS-Asia’s efforts, stressing the need for ongoing fire safety initiatives in rural areas. He noted that such programmes are crucial for reducing fire incidents in longhouses and ensuring the safety of remote communities.

Also present were Alvin Mang Anak Nyuim, Senior Assistant Officer of Beluru District Office; Pemanca Nawan Luhat, Penghulu Kalang Anak Ami, and Tuai Rumah Abok Anak Jabu, along with other longhouse chiefs from the Ulu Teru area.

Curtin Malaysia’s Fire Safety Awareness Programme is a testament to the university’s commitment to community engagement and safety, further solidifying its role in fostering a safer and more resilient society.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Rona Bang Tan presenting a souvenir to Dato Anyi Ngau

Counsellor Chua Su Hua teaching psychological first aid

Josfirin Uding Anak Rangga lecturing on fire safety awareness

Dato Anyi Ngau advocating for more fire safety awareness programmes