Every Sarawak home must have its own fire extinguisher soon

SIBU: Sarawak will make it mandatory for every household to own a fire extinguisher soon.

"State Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian (said he) will be tabling the matter in the next legislative assembly sitting sometime in November," Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said on Wednesday (July 5).

He told reporters after the Celik Suri fire prevention programme here that compulsory ownership of fire extinguishers would be provided for under the Sarawak Building Ordinance.

"There are many benefits to (a home being equipped) with a fire extinguisher. It is your duty to help fight fires. Do not wait until the law is enforced to consider buying one," he said.

Khiruddin said up to 5% of home fires started in the kitchen, and added that with a fire extinguisher in the house, its occupants could help control any blaze while waiting for firefighters to arrive.

He said home ownership of fire extinguishers in the state was still low.

"For the past eight years, I have been advising people to (buy one for their homes) but with little success.

"Why opt for an expensive sofa or TV but (forgo) a fire extinguisher? There is no law that says you must buy lavish furniture," he added.

The Celik Suri programme, in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad, was initiated to train housewives in basic fire safety and preventive exercises.

Particular attention is placed on the kitchen and food preparation areas, based on many longhouse fire incidents.