Cave temple members, guards to get safety training

IPOH: Members and security guards working at cave temples in the state will soon receive safety training from the Fire and Rescue Department.

Perak department director Azmi Osman said the plan was to conduct the course this year.

“In cases of emergencies, members and security guards will be there first, so it is important for them to know what to do if there is a fire or injuries at their premises,” he said after visiting a supermarket at Falim here yesterday.

Several temples in the Kinta Valley were served with eviction notices earlier this month because of safety concerns.

A special committee will be set up by the state government to determine the status of all the temples located on government-owned land either through the reservation method, issuance of a Temporary Occupancy Licence or a reserve land lease.

Azmi said that based on their inspections of some cave temples, most were equipped with safety plans.

“We have visited two to three temples in Ipoh and can see that they have fire extinguishers and good wiring systems.

“This shows that they are taking good care of the caves,” he added.

Separately, Azmi said more than 30 supermarkets in Ipoh had been warned for failing to ensure fire safety at their premises.

“We have issued notices to them and given them some time to complete the necessary equipment and safety plan.

“If they still fail to do so, we will take action, including hauling them to court,” he said.