PUTATAN: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Director-General Datuk Seri Ts. Nor Hisham Mohammad officiated Sabah’s first Community Fire Learning Centre (CFLC) at the Putatan Fire and Rescue Station on Thursday, describing it as a significant step towards transforming fire stations into community-based learning hubs.
The launch, held under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, brought together government agencies and private sector partners in what Nor Hisham described as a successful Public-Private-People Partnership (4P) model.
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“This CFLC is not just a facility, but a knowledge hub where the community can learn practical fire safety skills and become first responders who remain calm and know what to do before firefighters arrive.
“Logically, who reaches the scene first? It is the people on the ground. That is why we must equip the community with the knowledge to act early, because those first five minutes can determine life or death,” he said.
Nor Hisham said the establishment of CFLC Putatan reflects the evolving role of fire stations, from solely emergency response units into centres for public education on fire prevention and safety.
He cited recent fire incidents in Sabah, including a major blaze in Sandakan, as reminders of the dangers faced by densely populated settlements where fires can spread rapidly.
“Many people keep fire extinguishers at home, but when a fire breaks out, they run because they do not know how to use them. At the CFLC, we train them until they are confident,” he said.
The centre was developed with contributions from seven private companies — TCT Trading Kota Kinabalu, JSK Mantanani, WSG Properties Sdn Bhd, Innopro Network Sdn Bhd, Rekawarna Enterprise, SBH Kibbing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd, and Kejuruteraan Jutakaya Sdn Bhd.
The companies collectively provided facilities including an escape simulation tent, remote-controlled firefighting equipment, a smoke house, portable cooling systems, educational materials and landscaping works.
“This approach not only makes programmes more effective, but also fosters shared responsibility in fire safety education within the community.
“I do not want this CFLC to become a white elephant. Bring in schoolchildren and residents’ associations. Let them experience and interact with firefighting equipment so they understand how to respond to fire incidents,” he said.
From late 2025 to May 2026, CFLC Putatan recorded 18 visits and programmes involving 1,192 participants from public agencies, private organisations and early childhood education institutions.
The centre also serves as a platform to strengthen youth engagement through programmes such as the Junior Fire Club (Kelab Bomba Cilik) for preschool children and Bomba Junior for primary school students.
Between 2023 and 2025, more than 2,000 Junior Fire Club teams were established nationwide, with an average annual membership exceeding 66,000 students.
As of December 2025, 88 Bomba Junior teams had been formed with 2,741 members. Sabah currently has 202 Junior Fire Clubs and 16 Bomba Junior teams.
Nor Hisham also highlighted plans to expand similar centres nationwide, noting that 16 CFLCs are targeted under the ministry and JBPM strategic plans. Several centres have been completed using government funding, while others are being developed through CSR-driven partnerships.
On broader preparedness efforts, he said Bomba is reviewing its operational capabilities in Sabah, including the possible deployment of additional light helicopters for monitoring floods and landslides, particularly in remote interior areas.
He also touched on water safety education, noting that Sabah’s geographical conditions expose communities to drowning risks.
“Based on United Nations data, once a person knows how to swim, the probability of drowning can be reduced by up to 83 per cent,” he said, adding that basic survival training is being introduced to students.
On fire prevention, he urged the public to act responsibly and avoid open burning.
“If there is a fire, do not wait until it spreads before calling the fire department. Act immediately. And if you must burn, ensure it is under full control — do not burn indiscriminately,” he said.
He stressed that early reporting is crucial in minimising damage and reducing the burden on firefighters and affected communities.
