Educate villagers on fire hazards, dept urged
PUTATAN: Educating people, particularly, villagers regarding fire hazards is needed, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said the Fire and Rescue Department could help to educate the villagers on prevention and fire safety measures such as avoiding illegal electricity connection, provide safety exits and organized housing system.
Shafie told reporters this after visiting the fire victims who sheltered at the Putatan mini hall here yesterday.
“First of all, this is an untoward event. Nevertheless, I have stated that in uncertain weather conditions and perhaps during hot times we have to be prepared in terms of the Fire Department, second is the local community, the district council and particularly the water department.
“Our agencies must be alert so that we are sufficiently ready and will be available at any time. Not just for the Fire Department but local community as well. Not only the federal and state government agencies, departments and district councils but also the local community (must be involved and work together) to avoid this situation,” he explained.
Shafie further said that a fixed system should be available so that assistance could be sent out immediately, which include water supply during low water pressure and usage of sea water to put out fires, especially for houses built on water or near the sea.
When asked about the government’s assistance for the fire victims, he said the government through its agencies and departments would make sure food, health services and comfort were provided sufficiently.
To ensure a more comfortable living space for the fire victims, especially families with little children, he said the government had plans to resolve the matter so that the victims would not have to stay at the hall for too long.
As for cause of fire, Shafie understood that it was due to cooking, however, he left it to the fire department to find out the cause as it is still under investigation.
Fifty-five houses in a fourhectare area of Kampung Pasir Putih here were destroyed by fire which affected a total of 315 people from 74 families in the 12.50pm incident on Friday but no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Zuraidah Latip said that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, however it was reported that the source of fire came from a kitchen.
Also present yesterday were Assistant Minister of Law and Native Affairs cum Putatan assemblyman Datuk Uda Sulai and Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister cum Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong.