DARO: The proposal to establish a Community Volunteer Firefighters Team is seen as increasingly important in strengthening the preparedness of residents, especially in rural areas that face challenges of distance and time for emergency response.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the need has become more pressing following the fire incident that destroyed a house in Kampung Semop in the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to him, the local community must be equipped with basic knowledge and initial skills in dealing with fires so that immediate action can be taken before the arrival of the fire brigade.

"Local residents need to be equipped with basic knowledge and initial skills in dealing with fires so that quick action can be taken before the arrival of the fire brigade," he said when met at the scene on Thursday.

The Semop Assemblyman also stressed that efforts to empower the community through the establishment of the volunteer team will continue to be intensified to ensure that the safety of the residents is always guaranteed.

He also suggested that basic facilities such as water pumps, hoses and water barrels be provided at several strategic locations in the village as an initial step to control fires, especially in areas that are difficult for fire engines to enter.

Earlier, a non-permanent residential house on Jalan Kampung Masjid Lama Semop Hilir, Kampung Semop was reported to have been completely destroyed in a fire that occurred at around 4.39 am.

The fire brigade, which received an emergency call, was immediately mobilised and arrived at the location at 5.03 am after traveling a distance of approximately 23 kilometres.

The firefighting operation began two minutes later and the fire was successfully controlled in a short period of time before the operation was completely ended at 6.50 am.

Three occupants of the house managed to escape without any injuries, while the owner of the house was not at the location at the time of the incident as he was out at work.

However, no casualties were reported and the cause of the incident and the amount of losses are still under investigation.

During his visit to the location of the incident, Datuk Abdullah also expressed his condolences to the victim's family and presented immediate contributions through the Pulau Bruit Islamic Welfare Board and the Pulau Bruit village and community leaders (KMKK).

Among the emergency aid distributed were food aid and bedroom amenities as a result of the collaboration between the Daro District Social Welfare Department and the Daro District Office.

Also present during the visit were Daro Fire Station Chief Hasman Bakar, Matu Daro IPD Police Chief DSP Rahim Mihos, Administrative Officer in Daro District, Daro District Welfare Officer, Pulau Bruit KMKK, counselors, representatives of the Pulau Bruit KMKK Council and representatives of the Pulau Bruit Islamic Welfare Trust. -UKASnews