Public can help prevent fires during festive seasons, says Sarawak deputy premier

KUCHING: The public must take responsibility for fire safety to prevent unwanted incidents during the coming Hari Raya celebration, says Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier said this is the objective of the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's (Bomba) fire safety campaign for the festive season.

"While we are celebrating and being joyful together, we must also be responsible.

"Fire prevention means all of us must take responsibility," he said after launching the campaign at state Bomba headquarters here on Thursday (April 4).

Dr Sim commended the department for holding a fire safety campaign during each festive season in the state.

He also appreciated Bomba's efforts to conduct awareness and training programmes in schools and the community.

"We want everyone to celebrate Hari Raya safely," he added.

State Bomba director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said the campaign emphasised the three Ls of "lupa, lalai, leka" (forgetfulness, carelessness, negligence) in fire incidents.

He said it is important to keep reminding the public to be aware and alert about preventing fires.

"We want to change public perception to look at ourselves first before pointing the finger at others.

"Through this campaign we hope to achieve zero fires during this festive season and educate the public to always be prepared, because fire doesn't choose its victims or take a holiday. We must pay attention to prevent fires," he said.