Ensure wiring system safe before going away – Bomba
KUCHING: Businessmen going on a festive break are advised to have the wiring system in their premises checked to ensure the wiring is safe.
This suggestion came from Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) Padungan chief Mashidi Taha, who pointed out that this particularly applied to old premises.
“First things first, check your wiring system. Some of the shops are more than 20 years old, not to mention that premises owners are supposed to check the wiring system on a regular basis,” he said during a walkabout to hand
First things first, check your wiring system. Some of the shops are more than 20 years old, not to mention that premises owners are supposed to check the wiring system on a regular basis.
out brochures on fire safety to businessmen along Jalan Padungan here yesterday.
Mashidi noted that some premises owners who had renovated their buildings failed to comply with the regulations set by the authorities.
He said businessmen intending to turn a normal shoplot into a facility for lodging are expected to submit their business plans to Bomba and local councils.
“When they want to make a shop house into a hotel, they will have to submit plans to Bomba because we need to make sure that emergency exits are in place.
“More importantly, we need to ensure that the electrical or wiring system is safe.”
Mashidi said his men conduct inspections on various premises including hotels throughout the year.
According to him, about five per cent of those inspected were found to have not complied with regulations.
He said the department would first issue a warning to the owner concerned, followed by a subsequent inspection.
Last year alone, he said, Bomba Padungan tackled some 100 cases including accidents.
“Not many cases on fire but a lot of emergency cases like road accidents.”
Responding to a question, Mashidi said the public should learn how to use a fire extinguisher as part of fire prevention measures.
Mashidi Taha, Fire and Rescue Department Padungan chief