The Unique Challenges of Firefighting in Sarawak
Firefighters in Sarawak stand on the frontlines of emergency response, facing an array of challenges that extend far beyond battling flames. In Sarawak, however, their role has expanded significantly over the years, evolving in response to the state’s unique geographical, environmental, and disaster-related challenges. The following sections will explore the key obstacles confronting firefighters today, from resource limitations to the physical and mental toll of their work.
The Evolving Role of Firefighters in Sarawak
While fire suppression and prevention remain at the core of their duties, modern firefighting now encompasses a broader range of emergency response efforts, from water rescues and disaster management to hazardous material containment and wildfire control.
With advancements in technology, Sarawak’s firefighters have also adopted tools such as drones for aerial surveillance, thermal imaging cameras for search-and-rescue missions, and specialised firefighting equipment to improve efficiency and safety. Beyond their emergency response duties, they actively engage with local communities, conducting fire safety drills and educating the public on fire prevention strategies, particularly in rural areas where peat fires and open burning pose significant risks.
Moreover, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including monsoonal floods and prolonged dry spells, has demanded greater adaptability. Firefighters in Sarawak undergo specialised training for swift water rescues, operate in remote terrains using boats and helicopters, and collaborate with agencies such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to enhance disaster preparedness. Initiatives like the Bomba Komuniti program further extend their reach, empowering trained volunteers in rural communities to respond to emergencies before professional teams arrive.
These developments reflect how firefighting in Sarawak has become more complex and demanding than ever before. As their responsibilities grow, so do the challenges they face.
Unique Challenges Faced by Firefighters in Sarawak
Unlike compact urban areas in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak’s vast and diverse landscape presents unique firefighting challenges. As Malaysia’s largest state, it is home to dense rainforests, mountainous terrains, and scattered remote villages, all of which influence how firefighters respond to emergencies. Frequent flooding and extreme weather events have also shaped their role and training, making their work increasingly complex.
Among the biggest challenges faced by Sarawak’s firefighters are:
- Remote and Inaccessible Areas
Many rural communities are deep in the jungle or located along rivers, accessible only by boats, dirt roads, or helicopters. Limited fire stations in these areas mean longer response times, increasing the risk of severe damage before help arrives. To mitigate this, Sarawak has introduced the Bomba Komuniti (Community Firefighters) program, training villagers in basic firefighting skills while equipping firefighters with 4WD vehicles, boats, and helicopters for rapid response.
- Peatland and Forest Fires
Peat fires burn underground, making them difficult to extinguish with conventional methods, while illegal open burning during dry seasons worsens the issue. To tackle this, firefighters use water bombing and deep-water injection systems, alongside public awareness campaigns and collaborations with environmental agencies to monitor and control fire-prone areas.
- Frequent Floods and Water Rescues
Heavy monsoon rains often submerge roads, houses, and villages, with high-risk communities near rivers facing increased drowning incidents. Firefighters undergo specialised flood rescue training and are equipped with boats, life jackets, and swift-water rescue teams. Flood relief centres are also established in vulnerable areas.
- Limited Resources and Manpower
Some fire stations are understaffed due to the large areas they cover, while firefighters often juggle multiple emergency roles with limited equipment. Efforts to address this include increased government funding for new fire stations, personnel, and advanced equipment as well as expanding the Bomba Komuniti program.
- Wildlife and Dangerous Terrain
Firefighters working in jungles and rivers face threats from snakes, crocodiles, wild boars, and hornets, while landslides and falling trees add to the danger during rescue operations. To enhance safety, firefighters receive jungle survival training, use protective gear, and collaborate with local wildlife authorities.
The Specialised Challenges in Rural Areas Compared to Urban Areas
Fire safety standards in Sarawak must adapt to a mix of modern urban structures and traditional wooden longhouses, making uniform regulations impractical. Many older buildings predate fire codes, making retrofitting expensive and technically complex. In rural areas, affordability often takes priority over fire safety, and the cost of climate-resilient materials remains high.
- Fire-resistant designs, such as firebreaks and heat-resistant materials, are ideal but expensive for rural communities.
- Stronger monsoon winds accelerate fire spread in closely built wooden settlements, making windbreaks necessary, but limited land and cultural resistance pose challenges.
- Advanced fire detection systems require stable electricity and internet, which is lacking in remote areas, necessitating offline-capable sensors and mobile water tanks.
- Search and rescue (SAR) operations in forests and mountains are among the most difficult, as survival rates drop significantly beyond the golden period (72 hours after a disaster). Firefighters must act swiftly, often with limited leads on a missing person’s location.
Addressing these challenges requires area-specific fire safety standards for urban, rural, and traditional buildings, portable firefighting technology, and climate-responsive designs for flood-prone and high-risk areas. By working closely with developers, insurers, and community leaders, Sarawak’s firefighting force can enhance both response capabilities and fire prevention measures.
Key Limitations Impacting Firefighter Operations in Sarawak
Despite their dedication and extensive training, firefighters in Sarawak face several operational limitations that hinder their effectiveness. An interview with FRDM Sarawak deputy director Encik Tiong Ling Hii emphasised several critical areas that require urgent attention to improve firefighting capabilities and emergency response times.
1. Insufficient Water Supply for Firefighting
A reliable water source is essential for effective firefighting, but in many parts of Sarawak, water availability remains a major challenge:
- Limited hydrant availability in rural areas – Many villages lack fire hydrants, forcing firefighters to rely on alternative water sources such as rivers, ponds, or water tankers.
- Dependence on water tankers in remote locations – Transporting sufficient water to fire sites in inaccessible areas delays response times and limits the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.
- Peatland fires require extensive water resources – Standard firefighting methods are ineffective against peatland fires, which require large water reservoirs and deep injection systems to fully extinguish underground burning.
2. Ageing and Insufficient Firefighting Equipment
Many of Sarawak’s firefighting tools and vehicles are outdated, making emergency response more difficult:
- Fire Rescue Tenders (FRTs) and specialised vehicles – Some fire trucks and rescue vehicles are old and in need of replacement.
- Difficulty sourcing replacement parts – Older vehicle models require parts that are no longer readily available, leading to maintenance delays.
- Need for advanced HAZMAT detection tools and robotic systems – The rising frequency of hazardous material incidents and industrial fires requires better detection and response technology.
- Shortage of firefighting vehicles and equipment – Fire stations face a lack of critical resources such as rescue boats, water tankers, and essential firefighting gear, particularly in remote areas.
3. Communication and Coordination Challenges
Efficient emergency response depends on seamless coordination, but several communication-related limitations slow down operations:
- Limited radio coverage – Weak signal coverage in remote areas disrupts real-time communication between firefighters and command centres.
- Need for better integration with other emergency response agencies – Stronger coordination between Bomba, police, medical responders, and disaster management agencies is crucial for efficient crisis response.
- Outdated real-time data-sharing systems – The current incident management system requires upgrades to allow for more accurate, real-time data exchange during emergencies.
4. Budget Constraints for Upgrading Technology
Modern firefighting technology offers enhanced safety and efficiency, but financial limitations make widespread implementation difficult:
- High costs of advanced firefighting drones and AI-based systems – These technologies significantly improve firefighting effectiveness but remain expensive to acquire and maintain.
- Investment needed in thermal imaging cameras, robotic systems, and GPS tracking – These tools help locate trapped individuals and monitor fire conditions but require significant funding.
- Costly maintenance and replacement of outdated equipment – Ensuring that firefighting gear, vehicles, and infrastructure remain in optimal condition is an ongoing financial challenge.
To overcome these challenges, Sarawak’s firefighting force requires increased investment in critical infrastructure, equipment modernisation, and inter-agency collaboration. Strengthening rural fire hydrant networks, expanding the firefighting fleet, upgrading communication systems, and adopting cost-effective technology solutions will enhance emergency response capabilities. Ensuring adequate funding and strategic planning will be key in equipping Sarawak’s firefighters with the necessary tools to protect lives and property effectively.
Public Misconceptions and Criticism of Firefighting in Sarawak
Other than logistical and technical challenges they encounter, firefighters in Sarawak frequently face public misconceptions about their roles, response times, and authority. Some of these misunderstandings stem from a lack of awareness, while others arise during emotionally charged situations, such as disasters or emergencies.
During an interview, some of the most common misconceptions and criticisms faced by the fire department were explored.
- Perceived Slow Response Time
Misconception: Some residents criticise firefighters for arriving late to emergency scenes.
Reality: Response time varies depending on the location and severity of the emergency. Several factors can contribute to delays:
- In rural areas, especially longhouses accessible only by river, firefighters must transport rescue boats, adding extra time.
- Lack of functioning fire hydrants in the area of incident forces firefighters to locate a viable water source and use pumps to bring in water.
- Limited fire stations in remote areas mean firefighters may need to travel long distances to reach the scene.
- Catching and Relocating Animals
Misconception: Firefighters are responsible for catching and relocating animals.
Reality: Animal control is not officially part of their role under the Fire Services Act. However, they often step in to help, particularly when working alongside the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the agency responsible for animal-related cases. Despite this, firefighters remain committed to their philosophy of responding to all calls. As Encik Tiong, a firefighter, shared:“It is our duty to save all lives. Human or animal, doesn’t matter. If the people call us, they need us. So we go.”
- Nighttime Rescues During Floods or Landslides
Misconception: Firefighters refuse to rescue stranded residents at night.
Reality: Nighttime rescues are extremely dangerous due to poor visibility and hidden hazards such as snakes, crocodiles, and sharp debris in floodwaters and unstable ground and unseen landslide risks.
If there is no immediate medical emergency, residents are advised to stay put in a safe area (e.g., rooftops) until daylight, when rescue teams can locate and extract them more safely.
- Handling Small Fire Breakouts Without Firefighters
Misconception: There is no need to call firefighters if a small fire has been put out.
Reality: Even if a fire appears to be extinguished, hidden embers or unseen hazards can reignite it. Firefighters should still be contacted for post-fire checks to:
- Ensure no remaining fire threat exists.
- Determine the cause of the fire to prevent future incidents.
- Provide an official fire investigation report, which is crucial for insurance claims on fire damage.
- Stopping Firefighters from Doing Their Job
Misconception: Residents can prevent firefighters from intervening if they feel they can handle the fire themselves.
Reality: Under the Fire Services Act 1988, firefighters are legally mandated to respond to emergencies, and obstructing their work is a punishable offence. Interfering with firefighting operations could result in criminal charges.
- Firefighters Require a Search Warrant for Private Premises
Misconception: Like the police, firefighters need a search warrant to enter private property.
Reality: Firefighters do not require a warrant in emergencies such as:
- Fires or other immediate dangers threatening lives or property.
- Rescue situations where someone inside is in distress or at risk of death.
Firefighters are authorised to break into premises if necessary to conduct rescues or prevent a disaster from escalating. - Authority to Seize Fire Hazards and Close Premises
Misconception: Firefighters have no authority over private property beyond fire emergencies.
Reality: Firefighters have the legal power to:
- Seize hazardous materials that pose a fire risk.
- Issue notices to correct fire safety violations before proceeding with legal action.
- Close off premises deemed severe fire hazards to protect public safety.
Public misconceptions can lead to unnecessary conflicts or delays in emergency situations. By increasing awareness of firefighters’ roles, limitations, and legal authority, communities can better cooperate with emergency responders, ultimately improving firefighting efficiency and public safety.
Future Developments in Firefighting and Emergency Preparedness
To enhance firefighting capabilities and disaster preparedness, FRDM Sarawak is actively exploring several initiatives aimed at improving fire safety, response efficiency, and community resilience.
1. Area-Specific Fire Safety Standards
Recognising the need for tailored safety measures, FRDM Sarawak is working on new fire safety standards designed for:
- Urban buildings – incorporating modern fire suppression and detection technologies.
- Rural homes and longhouses – addressing limited water access and evacuation challenges.
- Traditional structures – ensuring culturally appropriate fire prevention without compromising heritage integrity.
2. Portable Firefighting Technologies
To improve response times, especially in remote locations, FRDM Sarawak is pushing for more portable and mobile firefighting tools, including:
- Mobile water tanks to compensate for low hydrant availability.
- Drones for remote fire inspections, especially in difficult terrains.
3. Climate-Responsive Fire Design
With climate change increasing risks such as flooding, extreme heat, and strong winds, there is a push for fire safety designs that account for environmental hazards. Proposed recommendations include:
- Designing fire stations and emergency shelters that can withstand climate extremes.
- Incorporating flood-resistant firefighting infrastructure.
- Adapting fire response plans to mitigate heat stress and wind-driven fire risks.
4. Mandating On-Site Emergency Fire Response Units (OKK)
A new proposal seeks to require larger business premises to establish an emergency fire response unit (OKK). Under this initiative:
- Designated personnel would be trained by firefighters to handle initial fire containment.
- Businesses would be expected to maintain basic firefighting equipment for immediate response before emergency teams arrive.
These developments, if implemented, could significantly enhance fire safety and disaster response in Sarawak, ensuring communities are better equipped to prevent and manage emergencies.
The Unwavering Commitment of Sarawak’s Firefighters
Ultimately, addressing Sarawak’s fire safety enforcement and design challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. A mix of different strategies across the board like tailored engineering solutions, community education, modern technology and stronger inter-agency coordination would be the key to tackle most existing issues.
FRDM Sarawak must not only enforce fire safety best practices to the people, but also continue to advocate, educate and innovate — so to ensure that prevention and suppression evolves alongside climate change, cultural preservation and sustainable development in Sarawak.
