MIRI: Aware that fire can start very easily and consume a house with terrifying speed, a group of 16 villagers from Rumah Salin, a longhouse by Sungai Selulit, Bok in Tinjar, went to Miri Fire and Rescue Department office at Miri By-pass yesterday (Dec 20), seeking advice on fire safety.
Miri fire chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said the villagers wanted advice as they were planning to build a new longhouse.
“It was amazing. They even brought along a design of the proposed longhouse,” he said, adding that the visitors were led by Tuai Rumah Salin Abong.
“Such a visit by rural folk for the purpose of getting our advice on fire safety before building their longhouse has never been done before,” said Law.
“Therefore, I am not exaggerating when I say history was made today, not only for Miri but Sarawak in general.”
Tuai Rumah Salin, who disclosed that their new longhouse would have 34 doors, said it was important for villagers to be aware of fire safety.
“We have heard about several longhouse fires, so we are motivated to seek advice from Miri Bomba today,” he said.
Nine crucial points were discussed during the visit. These are fire barriers, electrical wiring, doors/entrance, fire hydrant, building materials, longhouse design as recommended by the state government, insurance, fire safety training and the formation of a firefighting community.
