JKKKs urged to play proactive role in fire prevention, response
KOTA KINABALU: The Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) have been urged to play a more proactive role in creating awareness and disseminating knowledge on fire prevention and response among villagers.
Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad said fires, which destroy hundreds of homes every year, had remained a major safety concern, especially in high density villages where houses are built very close to each other.
She said it is high time that the JKKKs, as the authority closest to the villagers, play a more meaningful role in addressing the issue.
“We want to see our villages safe and the risk of fire as well as the casualties and damages cause by fire reduced, and the JKKKs can play a role in this by working closely with relevant agencies like the Fire and Rescue Service Department and City Hall to carry out suitable programmes,” she said when officiating at the Kampung Cenderamata II Volunteer Firefighters Association’s annual general meeting in Likas yesterday.
Jainab also advised the JKKKs to work with the local authority to insure the houses and the residents in their villages against fire and other disasters. Every house and other large buildings in the village should also be equipped with fire extinguishers, she added.
“Villagers should know how to use a fire extinguisher and what to do protect themselves and people around them in the event of a fire spreading out of control. Prevention is the key and when fire is already happening, safety is the priority.
“A sound knowledge in fire prevention and fire response can go a long way towards saving life and properties. I hope other villages will emulate Cendermata and set up their own firefighting volunteers,” she said.
Also present were Kampung Cenderamata II village chief Haji Mumin Haji Rasam and other community leaders.