KUCHING: As of yesterday, Sarawak had recorded a total of 27 cases of longhouse fires compared to 25 cases throughout last year, said State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Khirudin Drahman.
According to Khirudin, most of the longhouse fire cases involved the longhouses located in the northern regions of the state.
“A total of 50 percent of the fires is due to electricity, 30 percent from kitchens and 20 percent from electrical appliances.
“This is why I have always focused on educating members of the public about fire,” he said during “Zamalah Kewartawanan” at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites here yesterday.
Meanwhile, on the flood preparations during the northeast monsoon season, Khirudin said that all the zones and fire station heads in the state had been instructed to ensure that all assets were in tip-top conditions.
He also stressed that Bomba personnel had been mobilised and forward bases identified to face the floods.
He added that the Welfare Department had identified several places suitable as evacuation centres.
“They have also prepared 16 front bases in Kuching, Kapit, Bintulu and Miri divisions.
“There are three areas – the Welfare Department headquarters in Kuching, Samarahan and Miri – prepared as stores and depots.
“All Residents’ offices have been prepared and the flood operation rooms in every division will be activated anytime when needed,” said Khirudin.
He also advised members of the public to stay updated with the weather forecast.
Khirudin, who was Bomba Kuala Lumpur director for about eight years, replaced Nor Hisham Mohammad who has been appointed as Bomba Pahang director in early October this year.
