Bomba Sarawak boosts monsoon readiness with 17 new rescue boats
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 27): Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has strengthened its operational readiness for the Northeast Monsoon with the deployment of 17 newly acquired rescue boats to flood-prone districts across the state.
Sarawak Bomba director Jamri Masran said the boats — part of a larger procurement of 150 boats under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Rolling Plan 3 — will significantly shorten response time, particularly in areas frequently hit by rising waters.
“This placement of boats at strategic, high-risk locations ensures early rescue operations can begin immediately, even before larger reinforcements arrive,” he said during the launch of the state-level Monsoon Preparedness Programme at the Tabuan Jaya fire station.
Jamri said the asset enhancement reflects the department’s commitment to protecting communities amid increasingly unpredictable weather.
The boats, equipped with accessories for community-level response, are designed to support rapid evacuations, especially during sudden flash floods.
“These boats will help local responders move victims to safety faster. Early action at community level often makes the difference between life and death,” he added.
Bomba will also distribute tents and chainsaws to three Volunteer Firefighting Teams—Kampung Buntal, Bako Indah and Bunan Gega — to reinforce initial-response capacity in outer districts.
Jamri stressed that inter-agency coordination remains crucial, involving the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), Social Welfare Department (JKM), Health Ministry, People’s Volunteers Corp (Rela), local councils and other relevant agencies.
“Disaster response is not the job of one agency. With real-time information sharing and coordinated movement, we can avoid duplication of tasks and ensure operations run smoothly,” he said.
Ahead of the monsoon peak, Bomba has stepped up inspections of swift-water rescue equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), utility vehicles, communication systems and portable lighting.
“We do not compromise the safety or functionality of our assets. Everything must be in top condition,” Jamri stressed, adding that technical training, swift-water rescue drills and standard operating procedure (SOP) mastery have also been intensified.
He also reminded personnel to prioritise self-protection, saying: “We cannot save others if we neglect our own safety.”
Jamri further emphasised the importance of public preparedness, urging communities in high-risk areas to heed safety advisories and participate in awareness programmes.
“When residents understand the risks and take precautionary steps, rescue operations become more effective and safer,” he said.
At the event, Jamri expressed appreciation to Seng Heng Shipping Sdn Bhd and Centus Marine Sdn Bhd for supporting Bomba during the recent Kampung Wireless fire, and to Kembara Kitchen for contributing 1,000 meal packs for on-ground personnel.
He noted that the Rapid Response Team (PGC) oversees rescue and monitoring operations and serves as a second or third response team during incidents.
In Sarawak, the PGC comprises eight teams across seven operational zones, stationed at Tabuan Jaya, Kota Samarahan, Sri Aman, Lopeng, Limbang, Sibu Jaya, Bintulu and Lawas.
In preparation for the monsoon, Bomba Sarawak has mobilised 1,462 personnel, including permanent officers, firefighters, and volunteer and community responders.
MetMalaysia previously forecast the Northeast Monsoon to run from Nov 5 until March 2026, with five to seven episodes of heavy rainfall expected in states including Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Sarawak and Sabah.