Don’t act only after a tragedy has occurred

THE recent revelation by the media that at least 47 high-rise residential buildings nationwide, including 40 apartments and condominiums in the Klang Valley, are at high risk to fires is a major concern and should be acted upon by relevant stakeholders.

When fire engulfed Grenfell Tower and killed more than 80 occupants, and injured many others in west London on June 14, I urged all parties to learn from the tragedy as there are many high-rise residential blocks in our country.

I am concerned about the safety of these buildings, especially low-cost apartments in the capital and other parts of the country. My concern is not without basis as a local Malay media has reported that there are a number of buildings that can be likened to “time bombs” due to a lack of firefighting equipment and faulty sprinklers, while their alarm systems and fire doors are broken or not properly maintained.

The number of high-risk buildings was derived from the 1,688 fire hazard warnings issued by the Fire and Rescue Department from January to May.

The buildings include six apartments and condominiums in the Klang Valley, which received more than 100 warning notices from the Fire and Rescue Department. An apartment in Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur, for example, received 224 of such notices.

Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim was quoted as saying that more than 5,000 fire cases were recorded nationwide annually.

During the first six months of this year, he said, 2,904 cases were recorded with about 10 per cent or 282 cases involving highrise buildings, such as flats or apartments (168 cases) and condominiums (114 cases).

I believe that the number of such high-risk buildings would be higher if the safety audit also checked whether the buildings and their decoration materials are flammable such as those used for the cladding panels of Grenfell Tower.

This aspect is crucial since the department has recently highlighted the use of low-grade and combustible aluminium composite panels by contractors.

We should discard our lackadaisical attitude or tendency to drag our feet in response to this issue. In previous cases, we would only respond when an incident or a tragedy has occurred.

Our interest and eagerness to act and make changes can only be seen in the first few weeks or months after the tragedy had happened before they slowly dissipate until the next disaster occurs.

I urge the authorities to take proactive measures rather than being reactive, where actions would only be taken after a tragedy has occurred.

The report for each investigation and measures to be implemented must be made public.

It is rather unfortunate that we only hear complaints and suggestions from leaders, academicians and other members of society after a tragedy happens.

We need to learn from past tragedies. Authorities and stakeholders should change their attitude to prevent more tragedies in Malaysia. Those involved in designing and building should give priority to fire safety. Building owners and operators must adhere to rules and regulations, and cooperate with the authorities.

The authorities should tackle the low standard of fire safety at some buildings.

The existing legislation must be reviewed to compel the authorities and building owners to conduct more safety checks.

It is rather unfortunate that we only hear complaints and suggestions from leaders, academicians and other members of the society after a tragedy happens.