SIBU: Statistics of the state Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) shows an increase in the number of fire outbreaks in longhouses this year despite the overall declining rate for the state.

LAUNCHED: Lau (third right) launching the Sibu Bomba Volunteer Brigade car after he officiated at the Fire Prevention Campaign Sibu FRD headquarters as (from second left) Ahmad, Bemee and others look on.

This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew when he spoke at a fire prevention campaign at Sibu FRD headquarters yesterday.

Lau was the guest of honour at the function which was also attended by Nangka assemblyman Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, director of JBPM Sarawak Ahmad Shahabuddin and JBPM Sibu Zone chief Abdul Mutalib Rashid.

“During first-half of this year, fire destroyed seven longhouses and the estimated losses were about RM15.5 million.

“This is very alarming considering that there were only seven longhouse fires for the whole of last year and the estimated losses were lower at RM3.6 million.

“Most of the fire outbreaks were caused by negligence during cooking, and carelessness in placing mosquito coils, night lamps and handling of electrical items.

“Therefore, knowledge of fire prevention, and awareness and safety of longhouse dwellers needed to be enhanced and taken seriously,” said Lau.

Lau disclosed that the total fire outbreaks for whole of Sarawak during the first-half of this year were 331 cases resulting in estimated losses of RM24.6 million and loss of four lives.

The total number of rescue missions was 343, involving 23 deaths.

“For the whole of last year, Sarawak recorded 953 fire outbreaks with estimated total losses of RM39.5 million and eight deaths.

“Total rescue missions were 572 which recorded 49 deaths.

“We need greater efforts to prevent fires and safety awareness among the people so that we can reduce fire outbreaks, property damages and loss of lives to the minimum.

“This requires concerted and all-round efforts by everyone to ensure that fires will not damage our properties and take our lives,” said Lau.

Lau said that the government would continue to promote fire prevention, safety and awareness among the people by enforcing the Bomba Services Act, holding seminars and talks, training, courses, educational exhibitions, and encouraging the setting-up of Volunteer Bomba Brigade.

“I would like to announce that a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Fire Prevention Council Malaysia or Fipcom has been established as partner-in-service for the fire department to promote fire prevention, safety and awareness through campaigns nationwide,” he said.

One such campaign was ‘My Family Showcase’ in Kuala Lumpur last July 4 to 6.

“I hope that every state will have a Fipcom office one day. I am happy to note that Fipcom will set an office here soon,” said Lau who is also Sibu MP and chairman of the National Fire Prevention Committee (NFPC) under his ministry.

Lau also reminded building owners and tenants not to block their evacuation passageways or emergency exits and staircases so that evacuations can be carried out smoothly during a fire outbreak.

“Do not turn your premises and longhouses into death traps. You must strive to prevent the loss of lives,” said Lau.

He disclosed that the Fire Prevention Campaign themed ‘Fire Kills, Prevent It!’ was part of a nationwide activity and in Sarawak it was held earlier in Kuching while Miri and Bintulu will hold theirs later.

Other prevent methods include TV commercials, reminders on billboards, talks and presentations of usage of fire extinguishers.

Ahmad Shahabuddin also delivered his welcoming speech and accompanied Lau and Bemee to visit the activities and exhibitions during the campaign which included children colouring contest, cooking demonstration, kek lapis Sarawak contest and Sireh Junjung (during wedding ceremony) contest.