Know their stuff: Fire and Rescue Department personnel briefing a visitor on some of their equipment at a fire awareness exhibition booth in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Close to 35,000 distress calls for fires were received last year, the Fire and Rescue Department revealed.
Of the 34,389 cases recorded, 4,942 involved buildings, said department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.
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“Most of these issues are closely related to the electrical aspect. It could be the wiring, tools or even mechanical damage,” he told reporters after attending the launch of its Chinese New Year operations here yesterday.
He said 747 fire cases were recorded throughout its Chinese New Year operations last year, of which 17% comprised buildings.
Nor Hisham said the number of fire cases had increased compared to 28,489 in 2022, with losses incurred last year hitting RM2.6bil.
The department, he said, aimed to conduct safety checks at 14,000 premises nationwide this year.
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“This includes old buildings in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
For the coming Chinese New Year celebration, he said safety checks would be carried out at no less than 4,000 premises.
“Celebrations this year coincide with the school holidays and people will be travelling and residing at, among others, hotels and homestays.
“These areas will be the focus (for safety checks) during this period.
“We will also educate owners of premises to abide by fire safety measures, such as having fire extinguishers and avoiding overcrowding,” he said, adding that last year, only four cases of fires involved fireworks.
On vehicle fires however, over 3,000 cases were reported last year, making up about 10 vehicles a day comprising cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles.
There were 52 fatalities from vehicle fires, while 148 people were injured.
Earlier in his speech, Nor Hisham said 325 distress calls were received for drowning cases last year, with 283 deaths recorded during this period.
There were also 10 locations which had been identified as hotspots for drowning, including Teluk Kemang in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan; Sungai Teladas in Kemaman, Terengganu; Tasik Puteri waterfall in Bukit Besi, Dungun, Terengganu; and Pantai Teluk Batik in Lumut, Perak, said Nor Hisham.
“The department will be increasing its patrols in stages while issuing reminders to those in recreational areas.
“We also advise the owners, management and patrons of either commercial or natural water bodies to always ensure safety practices while carrying out water activities,” he added.
An inter-agency road safety operation involving the Fire and Rescue Department, the police, the Road Transport Department, and St John Malaysia would also be carried out from Feb 7 to 13, said Nor Hisham.
The operation will cover 14 locations across eight states – Johor, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah under the PLUS Highway, and Terengganu and Pahang under the East Coast Expressway.
At the same event, Housing and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming said two new Agusta 139 helicopters had been allocated for the Fire and Rescue Department.
“This brings the total number of helicopters managed by the department to 11,” he said, adding that the arrival date would be announced later.
“It’s not just for the Fire and Rescue Department but also the police and the Civil Defence Force,” he said.
He also reminded those heading back to their hometowns for the festive season to take the necessary precautions.
“Turn off your electrical switches before heading home. Plan your trips and if you are tired on the road, take a short break,” Nga said.
