All housing areas should have community fire brigades — Regent of Pahang

KUANTAN: All housing areas particularly those in towns should establish community fire brigades to help minimise the loss of life and property in the event of fires.

The Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmah Shah said members of neighbourhood watch groups ( Rukun Tetangga) in housing areas should undergo basic fire safety training by the Fire and Rescue Department.

“Only then, they will know what to do in case of a fire. We have to make an effort because a fire can occur any time. Firemen should be more proactive and carry out regular checks on fire hydrants in housing areas,” he said after visiting fire victims in Perkampungan Sungai Isap 2 here, yesterday.

In the 4.30pm incident on Tuesday, three houses in Perkampungan Sungai Isap 2 were destroyed in a fire, believed to be caused by a short circuit.

Tengku Abdullah also reminded the house owners on the importance of taking up home insurance as there were still houses that were not covered by the insurance policy especially, in village areas.

“All must have ( home) insurance coverage as it can help alleviate the burden when a disaster strikes. I was told that the two houses (involved in fire) did not have insurance,” he said adding the house owners should inspect the electrical wiring of houses, especially those that had long been inhabited.

He urged government agencies and non- governmental organisations ( NGO) to come forward to offer assistance to the fire victims. — Bernama