LABUAN — The opening of the Tanjung Aru Volunteer Fire Brigade Station reflects the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia’s (JBPM) commitment to strengthening fire safety, community preparedness and volunteerism at the grassroots level.
JBPM Deputy Director-General (Development) Datuk Othman Abdullah said the station was not merely a physical facility, but a symbol of the department’s efforts to enhance community-based fire safety preparedness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Tanjung Aru Volunteer Fire Brigade Station here today, he said JBPM Labuan had received 277 emergency calls from Jan 1 to June 22 this year.
The calls comprised 137 fire cases, 138 rescue cases and two special service calls.
“During the period, the estimated value of property saved stood at RM528.59 million, while losses were estimated at RM30.06 million.
“This clearly shows that fire safety and community preparedness must continue to be given serious attention,” he said.
Othman said volunteer fire brigades were strategic partners of JBPM in strengthening the country’s fire safety agenda, particularly by helping to deliver prevention messages, early preparedness and community services more effectively.
He said the opening of the Tanjung Aru station was also in line with JBPM’s direction to strengthen the role of volunteer fire brigades nationwide, supporting the target of establishing 500 volunteer fire brigades by 2030.
There are currently five active volunteer fire brigades in Labuan, namely Tanjung Aru, Kerupang/Nagalang, Gersik/Saguking, Sungai Lada and Lubok Temiang, with a total of 88 registered members.
Othman said the Tanjung Aru Volunteer Fire Brigade, established in 2007, currently has 20 members and is equipped with basic firefighting assets and equipment, including a Triton volunteer fire vehicle, chainsaw, pump and firefighting gear.
He said other volunteer fire brigades in Labuan were also equipped with support assets such as Proton Arena vehicles, vans and fibreglass boats to strengthen preparedness in their respective areas.
“The role of the volunteer fire brigade is not to replace JBPM’s main function.
“Instead, it strengthens community preparedness, speeds up the delivery of early information and helps build a society that is more aware of fire safety,” he said.
Othman said continuous training was important to develop discipline, confidence, basic skills and understanding of procedures when assisting operations under JBPM’s coordination.
He added that volunteer fire brigades were also involved in emergency calls and special services, including fires, humanitarian assistance, rescue work, area monitoring, fire hydrant inspections and early assistance to communities.
He expressed hope that the Tanjung Aru Volunteer Fire Brigade Station would be fully utilised as a centre for activities, training and community coordination in fire safety.
Also present were JBPM Labuan director PgKB I Abd Rahman Ali, Labuan police chief Supt Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Zaki, JBPM Labuan deputy director PgKB II Emil Toihin, Kampung Tanjung Aru Village Development and Security Committee chairman Jamil @ Roslie Kario and Tanjung Aru Volunteer Fire Brigade chairman Joy Fernanzie Ampiu.
