KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has cautioned Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) of longhouses and villages to not take fire preventive measures for granted.
He said such measures were crucial to prevent losses of properties and lives due to fire.
Speaking at the closing of a community fire-fighting course at Rumah Ambu Liben in Suri Tengah, Betong yesterday, he warned the people against complacency and couldn’t-care-less attitude towards fire prevention, especially during big celebrations or festivals.
He said the people should not wait for things to happen then talked about taking steps to mitigate the problem.
A total of 110 participants from 19 longhouses attended the course.
Meanwhile, he suggested that those entrusted to lead fire risk groups at their respective longhouses and villages should be able to quickly mobilise and organise members in time of emergency.
Uggah commended the Fire and Rescue Department for taking the initiative to organise the course for the longhouses which were located far from the nearest fire stations.
Knowledge and skills learned from the course would certainly come in handy during emergency, he added.
Accompanying Uggah at the function was Betong MP Datuk Lawson Chuat.
Later, Uggah also presented fire extinguishers to the course participants, who are also the chiefs of their respective longhouses.
