SIBU: The Dayak community celebrating the coming Gawai has been told to take preventive measures to avoid any fire tragedy.
State Fire and Rescue Department director, Datuk Khirudin Drahman in his Gawai video on Friday (May 27) said 99% of fire incidents were due to carelessness and that the community must also exercise caution when celebrating Gawai which falls on June 1.
"We don’t want this Gawai celebration to end up with tears, grief and regret. If we don't take preventive measures, it may cause fire to our house or loss of our family members. We don't want to feel sorry later after it has happened," he said.
He also advised the community to equip themselves with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
"If during the festive season we are willing to spend hundreds, or thousands to buy sofas, and television sets, why can’t we afford to own a portable smoke detector.
“Having this device can help us save our lives and property and that of our loved ones. Having this is important because it indirectly gives us time to put out the fire or even save our own lives or the lives of our loved ones," he added.
He said that fast action needs to be taken in the first five minutes of a fire to prevent the loss of property or lives.
Thus, owning a fire extinguisher is important.
Those decorating their house with colourful flashing neon lights, are also advised not to buy cheap and low quality makes which might cause a fire outbreak.
"The Fire Department has issued fire prevention campaign pamphlets and they can be obtained from our website," he said.
