KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 — The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received 34,389 distress calls for fires last year, involving RM2.6 billion in estimated losses.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the losses are very concerning as the amount far surpasses the 2024 Selangor Budget tabled by its State Legislative Assembly last year.
“This is a message to all Malaysians, particularly those who will be returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year soon, that prevention is very important, so do not wait until disaster strikes.
“As such, we hope everyone takes preventive steps before going back to their hometowns,” he said, adding that 747 fire cases were recorded throughout the Chinese New Year operations last year, of which 13 per cent comprised buildings.
Nga was speaking at a media conference after the launch of the 2024 Chinese New Year ‘Ops Siaga Raya’ today, which was also attended by JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Earlier, JBPM and the minister also distributed fire extinguishers to the Community Fire Safety Team, Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and road users.
He also reminded those returning to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year to drive carefully since the number of fatal road accidents was also quite worrying.
“Every year, 7,000 lives are lost due to road accidents. This translates to about 20 fatalities a day in road accidents, and we must reduce this,” Nga said.
Meanwhile, Hisham said 3,592 emergency calls were received for vehicles catching fire last year, involving 52 fatalities and 148 people injured.
“As such, we (the JBPM) recommend that all vehicle owners keep at least one fire extinguisher in every vehicle,” he said.
Under the 2023 Chinese New Year Ops, JBPM aims to conduct fire inspections on 4,000 premises nationwide, including homestays, hotels, and shopping centres, to ensure every building is equipped with fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and accessible emergency exits.
— Bernama
