PETALING JAYA: Homeowners should take some time to inspect their homes before leaving for the Chinese New Year celebrations in their respective hometowns, says the Fire and Rescue Department.
Its director general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the first thing homeowners should do is conduct a thorough fire safety inspection of their home and compound.
“Ensure all non-essential electrical appliances are switched off and pulled out of electricity sockets.
“This will reduce the risk of any short circuit occurring while people are away,” he told The Star yesterday.
He said the public should also detach gas hoses from kitchen stoves and ensure that the liquid petroleum gas tanks are stored in a safe manner.
“We also wish to advise the public to be cautious about fire safety, especially while cooking with their family members in their respective homes.
“Last year, we responded to a total of 140 emergencies throughout Ops Selamat in conjunction with Chinese New Year from Jan 15 to Jan 30,” he said,.
Two deaths and eight injuries were reported while 21 people were rescued.
He said in 2022, a total of 136 cases were recorded during the same period, with two people injured and 23 people rescued.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham wished everyone a happy Chinese New Year and reiterated his call for the public to practise fire prevention and safety measures to avoid any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Muhammad Salleh Abdul said they inspected 37 temples here in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebrations.
“During the inspections, we also handed over 37 fire extinguishers to the temples involved and conducted safety briefings for the temple management and visitors during our checks,” he told reporters after inspecting the Thean Hou Temple here yesterday.
He said they began inspections of the 37 temples on Feb 2 in line with the launch of the fire safety awareness campaign programme for Chinese New Year.
“We are satisfied with the level of preparedness demonstrated by the management of these temples in facing any fire situation,” he said.
He said all the houses of worship that were inspected had appropriate fire extinguishers and hose reel systems that are suitable for use while waiting for the Fire and Rescue Department to arrive.
Muhammad Salleh said his personnel have been deployed to certain locations in preparation for any emergency due to the festive fireworks displays.
“So far today, only Thean Hou Temple has applied for and received a permit for the fireworks show.
“On our part, we will place an asset and personnel on standby,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman has advised those looking forward to lighting up fireworks for the Chinese New Year celebrations to take heed of the latest guidelines.
Royal Malaysia Police secretary Deputy Comm Alzafny Ahmad said 45 types of fireworks have been allowed.
“The 45 include Pop-pop and 44 variations of Happy Boom fireworks.
“This is on the condition that both sellers and customers comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP).
“They must have a safe storage place verified by the Police Arms Division.
“They must have a licence that cannot be transferred; only licensed owners are allowed to sell fireworks, while one licence can only be issued to a single applicant per location,” he said.
DCP Alzafny added that fireworks must not be sold to those under the age of 18.
He warned that the online sale of fireworks was strictly prohibited.
Those found guilty of doing so face a maximum of seven years in jail or a RM10,000 fine under Section 8 of the Explosives Act.
“Do not play with fireworks past midnight, which may cause disturbances or danger to others.
“Failure to comply could lead to seven years in jail, a RM10,000 fine, or both under Section 7 of the Explosives Act or Section 13 of the Minor Offences Act,” he said.
He also advised the public to set off fireworks in open areas to avoid disturbing the peace and causing public anxiety.
He also advised the public to be responsible and practise safety precautions.
