SEB runs fire awareness programme for resettled communities in Asap Koyan Belaga
KUCHING: The resettled communities in Asap Koyan Belaga, comprising 15 longhouses along the Asap and Koyan Rivers, took part in a fire safety awareness and prevention programme conducted by Sarawak Energy Bhd ( SEB) in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department Bintulu Zone.
These communities are those resettled due to the Bakun hydroelectricity power ( HEP) project.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon officiated at the opening of the programme, which aimed to create greater awareness of fire safety and prevention measures among the villagers of Apau Koyan in Belaga, towards creating a fire hazard-free environment.
Held at Uma Juman, it was one of SEB’s various community development and engagement initiatives being rolled out in the area following the Bakun HEP acquisition.
SEB executive vice president for corporate services Aisah Eden said: “We are pleased to have partnered with the Fire and Rescue Department on this important initiative.
“Our programmes are run with like-minded organisations where each partner agency has a major role. This is part of a holistic and integrated plan to address the Asap Koyan community’s wellbeing, as part of our commitment to ensure that we work with communities to leave a lasting positive legacy.”
Commenting on the programme, longhouse chieftains Maren Uma Padan Bisau, Maren Uma Nyaban Kulleh and Maren Uma Huvat Laing of the respective Uma Baha, Uma Badeng and Uma Lesong jointly expressed their belief that such intervention programmes were vital in preventing and reducing the number of cases involving longhouse fires.
“As a longhouse, we are a community living together under one roof. These briefings and practical demonstrations are very important in keeping our families and communities safe. Learning from past fire incidents at Apau Koyan, the community is well aware of how crucial it is to pay attention to the lessons shared during this safety programme, as well as to put them into practice,” said Nyaban.
Meanwhile, SEB assistant general manager for corporate social responsibility Jiwari Abdullah said the programme aimed to build awareness of fire safety to lower the risk of a fire incident, which could result in the loss of property or worse, lives.
“It is our hope that this fire safety intervention programme would help keep the community safer. At SEB, safety is top priority for our staff, our contractors and the communities where we serve.”
Other than a safety demonstration and talk by firefighters, SEB also contributed fire protection in the form of 110 fire extinguishing units, cabinets, hoses, nozzles and joints to ‘Peng Maren-Maren Uma Sungai Asap Koyan Belaga’ ( Sungai Asap Koyan Longhouse Chieftains Association).
Bintulu Zone Fire and Rescue chief Unjar Lum and Pemanca Umek Jeno were also present at the function.
In June this year, SEB provided immediate relief to the longhouse folk of Uma Badeng after a 15- door block of the longhouse was razed down by fire on June 20 – leaving some 100 villagers homeless.
In February 2013, the group also provided immediate relief aid to victims of Uma Kulit fire, which destroyed their 19- door longhouse.