Knowing that the profession of fighting fires is dominated by men, the State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) is taking steps to increase the number of women firefighters.
State BOMBA director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said that presently, there are only 63 or 5.5 percent women firefighters out of the total force of 1,140 full time firefighters.
“Looking at the new challenges, need for multi-taskers, and public demand, having women firefighters in the department will be a bonus in any operation.
“The department needs women firefighters especially in public safety education, home fire safety, and emergency medical rescue services among others – these areas require ‘extra soft’ handling.
“Moreover, women firefighters can specialize in dealing with women and children. Their presence can create comfort and confidence especially among women and children.
“As such, issues like sexual differences can be minimized and women victims can feel more assured,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Khirudin asserted that having more female firefighters in the fire service can add more value to the department particularly when it comes to complexity of tasking.
“There are new demands on women’s rights, religious sensitivity and gender differences which require the department to take steps in apprehending as well as addressing this matter positively.
“In addition to that, there have been many instances where women firefighters managed to deliver tasking more effectively in comparison to their counterpart. This is evident in handling cases involving victims.
“Women firefighters really do have big impacts to the service,” he said.
With almost 33 years in service and having participated in the shaping of present BOMBA services from its humble traditional fire brigade, Khirudin noted that it is crucial to see multiskilled and multitasking of men and women in the fire service to be enhanced.
Elaborating further, he said this encompasses knowledge, skill, positive attitude as well as proactivity in adapting and adopting to changes.
“Having said that, I do wish to see their competency and expertise being recognised and compensated accordingly.
“Firefighters’ pay, job incentives, career development and social welfare must be commensurate fairly given the risks faced in carrying out their duties,” he said.
On his advice to women who are considering or interested in joining the fire service, Khirudin shared that they must be mentally and physically prepared.
“During training, there is no special treatment for women as they must undergo the same tasking and modules. It is best for them to know and understand in depth on the job scope and tasking,” he added.
At the same time, Khirudin expressed hopes for the communities throughout Sarawak would continue to appreciate firefighters’ presence and contributions.
