‘Aging longhouse wiring system needs periodic checks’
BELAGA: The aging electrical wiring system at longhouses in the Bakun Resettlement Scheme, Sungai Asap needs to be inspected periodically and possibly replaced for safety reasons.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the recent fire in Uma Badeng, a Kenyah longhouse in the settlement, which destroyed a 15- door longhouse, was a clear indication of the urgent need to rewire the electrical system.
“Fifteen longhouses here are in need of a rewiring. I hope the government can provide an allocation of RM6,500 per door for the purpose,” he said.
He also called on the relevant ministry to heed his call to have a permanent fire station in Belaga.
The fi re safety issue, he added, had been highlighted by him in the recent State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting.
Chukpai said eight longhouses in his area had been destroyed by fi re, proving an urgent need for a fi re station to be permanently set up in Belaga.
Belaga only has voluntary firefighters who are technically only capable of responding to minor fi re incidents.
For major fires, he said equipment and manpower had to come from Bintulu, which is twoand-a-half hours away.
On Tuesday afternoon, 112 people from 15 families were made homeless after a fire destroyed their longhouse. The fire is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit in one of the empty rooms.
Chukpai thanked all relevant agencies for their quick response in distributing immediate relief assistance to the fi re victims.
“My Murum service centre will also distribute other immediate relief assistance from time-to-time
Fifteen longhouses here are in need of a rewiring. I hope the government can provide an allocation of RM6,500 per door for the purpose.
to the fi re victims,” he said.
Yesterday, each family received a RM1,500 cash assistance, which was presented by Chukpai during his visit to the fi re victims.
Belaga District Officer Juan Ubit, Bintulu Fire and Rescue Department zone chief Unjar Lum and local community leaders were also present to witness the handover.
In the meantime, Chukpai said he would apply for cash assistance under his minor rural project (MRP) to assist the victims to build a temporary shelter worth RM5,000 each.
For the record, this was the fourth time Uma Badeng was razed by fi re.
Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Murum assemblyman