KUCHING: The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) will be monitoring and inspecting commercial premises and residential areas during the forthcoming festive season to prevent untoward fire incidents.
Its state director Khirudin Drahman said notices would also be issued to ensure the operators and owners adhere to the regulations and take necessary precautionary steps before going on leave during the festive period.
He said the department would be conducting patrols from 12.30pm to 5pm, at 10pm, 1am and 4am during the festive season, just like it did in the previous years.
“Such approach is to ensure that the areas under the respective stations’ jurisdiction will always be under control and there will be immediate response should there be a fire, thus minimising the damages,” he said during the Safety Awareness Programme held at its headquarters here yesterday.
The programme was jointly organised with Shell Sarawak in conjunction with Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Khirudin added that increasing fire incidents during festive celebrations were caused by various factors including failure to switch off electrical equipment, leaving the stove on when cooking or baking and heading to bed and electrical overloads at hotels, community hall, malls, etc, during renovation and decorations.
“Therefore, the department is intensifying its efforts in encouraging members of the public to play their role in fire prevention and urging operators to equip themselves with fire safety equipment.
“They should install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, practise fire escape plans, refrain from the ‘Lupa, Lalai, Leka’ practice and increase their awareness of fire hazards,” he added.
Khirudin also lauded the collaboration between corporate agencies and the department in carrying out programmes that would instill greater fire safety awareness among the public.
