‘Digital database on structure plans can help Fire and Rescue Dept’

KUALA LUMPUR: A digital database on structure plans of all local councils can greatly assist the Fire and Rescue Department in conducting rescue operations in a speedy and safe manner.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said the plans and information on locations had to be updated to enable easy access by firemen so they could assess the characteristics of any given area.

“During emergencies, the fire department needs to react quickly; that is part of its standard operating procedure. However, it may not be able to refer to any information or plans manually unless this information is available in soft copy or stored digitally in a system.

“It would be easier if the authorities were to upload the data and information on plans and location structures online.

“This can be improved from time to time, with collective input from all parties,” he said after officiating the Run For The Deaf 2018 programme in conjunction with the Car Free Morning event here yesterday.

Khalid was commenting on a suggestion by Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, who called on the fire department to obtain structure plans from local authorities before embarking on any rescue mission.

On Oct 3, six members of the fire department’s water rescue team from Shah Alam and Klang died during a bid to search for a drowning victim at a mining pool in Puchong.

Khalid, meanwhile, urged Netizens to cease all speculation on the tragedy, saying that it would only add to the grief of the victims’ next-of-kin.

“There’s no need to take to social media to air your suggestions. It would be best if one were to contact the fire department directly. If we play the blame game, it would benefit no one.

“The fire department has done its best. They (the firemen) place their lives in danger to protect the public.”