BINTULU (Oct 29): Fire safety awareness and regular training must become a way of life in rural communities, particularly in longhouses and villages, to prevent tragedies and minimise losses, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Caretaker State Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development said fire safety should not be limited to distributing fire extinguishers or responding to emergencies, but must involve continuous education and preparedness among residents.

He said communities needed to understand potential fire hazards, know how to use firefighting equipment and remain prepared to respond when emergencies occurred.

Dr Rundi said this during the launch of the MLNG HSE community programme on Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards (Cimah) ITP 2026 here on Wednesday.

He stressed that fire safety was a shared responsibility involving homeowners, community leaders, residents and relevant agencies.

Dr Rundi noted that fire extinguishers could be ineffective if residents did not know how to operate them or if the equipment had been left unused for years without proper inspection.

“I have seen many fire extinguishers in longhouses that have been hanging there for 20 to 30 years,” he said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that equipment was maintained and users were properly trained.

Dr Rundi also called for community firefighting teams and volunteer groups to receive regular refresher training, with the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) playing a vital role in strengthening their capabilities.

Dr Rundi said the consequences of a longhouse fire could be devastating, with residents potentially losing their homes and possessions within a short time.

Although assistance might be available to rebuild damaged homes, replacing the materials and belongings lost in a fire could be difficult and costly.

He emphasised that the safety practices adopted by industrial players, including companies operating in Bintulu, should also be applied in villages, longhouses and homes throughout Sarawak.

“Make it your culture. We have to take care of each other,” he said, urging residents to remain alert to hazards that could endanger their families and neighbours.

Dr Rundi added that community leaders should ensure residents understood emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and how to contact the relevant authorities during a fire.

He said safety awareness should be reinforced continuously, rather than treated as a one-off programme, to protect lives and safeguard the well-being of future generations.