KUALA LUMPUR: Fire safety inspections at commercial accommodations, including hotels, homestays and chalets, have been intensified amid a surge in demand.
Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said more people are opting to rent accommodation rather than stay at family homes when returning to their hometowns.
In view of this, the department has stepped up fire safety inspections at lodging premises under the Siap Siaga Raya initiative carried out in conjunction with the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, he said.
He added that the department’s analysis over the past three years showed a decline in non-compliance with fire safety rules, from 17% to about 14%, Bernama reported.
“This indicates better compliance, but we cannot afford to be complacent with enforcement efforts,” he told reporters at the Housing and Local Government Minister’s sahur programme at the Seputeh Fire and Rescue Station here yesterday.
He said the department has also made preparations to ensure a swift response to emergencies, particularly road accidents, in areas expected to experience heavy congestion during the festive season.
“Our teams will be stationed at strategic locations to enable us to respond within 30 minutes in areas where congestion is anticipated,” he added.
He said patrols at water recreational sites would also be intensified following a rise in drowning cases during the recent Chinese New Year celebrations.
“Although warning signs were put up, drowning cases increased compared to previous years. We will enhance patrols, provide advice and ban activities if water conditions are unsafe,” he noted.
On personnel management, he said 80% of its personnel would be on duty during Aidilfitri to ensure operational readiness, adding: “We will coordinate plans, especially for personnel from Sabah and Sarawak, to facilitate early flight bookings.”
