KUCHING: Vandalism has brought about a significant impact as nearly 5,000 fire hydrants were vandalised throughout the state this year.
To be exact, a total of 4,928 fire hydrants were either spoiled due to vandalism or stolen as of yesterday since Jan 1.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) state director Khirudin Drahman said of the figures, 625 of its ‘H’ signages and hydrant poles were destroyed.
Meanwhile, a total of 3,010 fire hydrants were recorded to have its chamber missing and 1,293 of its lid or cap on the pole had gone missing.
“State Bomba is seriously concerned about vandalism cases pertaining to fire hydrants. To this day there are still some who do not know the importance of fire hydrants,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Khirudin explained that the fire hydrant is an essential especially during a fire incident.
“This is because the first five minutes, once our machineries arrive at the scene, are the most crucial time to ensure effective fire operations, and at that time water from the fire hydrants and open water sources are very much needed.”
In fact, the capacity of the water tank in the fire engine can only cover the first five minutes of the operation.
“If the existing fire hydrant cannot be used, it will definitely affect the operation,” he said.
In this regard, he urged the general public to immediately report any incidence of vandalism of fire hydrants to enable legal action to be taken against the perpetrator.
