Zahid chairs fire safety compliance task force

He said the government had set up a special task force, chaired by him, to address the issue of fire safety compliance.

“We have met and reviewed several things that can be improved as soon as possible, including steps to ensure that the fire safety standards for tahfiz and pondok schools as well as other buildings that house orphans, kindergartens, childcare centres and senior citizens are adhered to.

“I want professional bodies, such as MyRBS and RISM, to take the initiative to re-evaluate the physical status of each building to prevent fires,” he said.

He added that, although building standards were under the jurisdiction of local governments, in the public’s interest, MyRBS and RSIM could be proactive and take the initiative to ensure that preventive measures were taken.

“We should take whatever steps necessary to prevent a recurrence (of the tragedy) and place emphasis on safety.

“Life is invaluable and irreplaceable,” he said at a ceremony where the keys of 11 houses were handed to fire victims in Kampung Kamatchy, Hutan Melintang, here.

The move to build new homes for the nine Indian and two Chinese families was an initiative of the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and the deputy prime minister.

Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk member of parliament, said it was proof of the government’s commitment to improve the people’s standard of living.

The construction of the housing units on the 2.45ha plot, which cost RM527,600, began in March and was completed six months later.

Plantation worker P. Ragu, 36, said this year’s Deepavali celebration would be much more meaningful for the family as they would be having it in their new home.

“I am very happy to celebrate the upcoming Deepavali and a big thank you to Datuk Seri Zahid for helping us to have a home again,” he said.