KULAI: More than 50 buildings have been inspected by the Fire and Rescue Department as part of its preparations to ensure fire safety during the Chinese New Year.
Its director Siti Rohani Nadir said the inspection was conducted under Ops Tahun Baru Cina which runs from Jan 13 to Feb 6.
"In conjunction with the festive season, we have taken several measures to ensure fire safety in Johor.
"These include fire hazard inspections with a focus on places frequently visited by the public, especially shopping malls.
"As of Friday (Jan 24), we have inspected a total of 53 premises," she told the press during a fire safety awareness campaign at the Kulaijaya rest stop on the North-South Expressway (NSE) on Monday (Jan 27).
She added that the department has also deployed personnel and fire engines to two locations along the NSE.
"We are also part of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) under Ops Selamat, which is coordinated by the police.
"As such, we have identified two accident and congestion-prone areas and have deployed eight firemen and one supervisor, along with one fire engine each, to these two places.
"They will be on standby at the PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) Yong Peng office and its Sedenak office," she said, adding that the team will be stationed there until Sunday (Feb 2).
She added that throughout the festive season, only a maximum of 30% of the department's workforce is allowed to take leave at any one time.
"I hope that the public will also do their part to ensure fire safety, including when handling fireworks.
"Since Chinese New Year coincides with the school holidays, many may also use this opportunity to go on vacation.
"My advice to the public is to avoid taking part in water-related activities owing to the ongoing monsoon season and unpredictable weather conditions," she said.
