KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) will be launching its Ops Raya throughout the country beginning Apr 27 ahead of the upcoming festive season.
Department director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said the operation this time around will be focusing on three aspects of safety including fire safety in commercial buildings and residential houses; road traffic safety and water safety.
For fire safety, Mohammad Hamdan said Bomba will continue its ongoing campaign to bring awareness to the people, on top of intensifying efforts on building inspections.
“We will carry out more inspections to ensure that all buildings abide by the rules. We will also carry out routine inspections to assist building managers in terms of building maintenance and upkeep.”
He said this at a press conference held at a hotel here on Monday (Apr 25).
As for road safety, he said the department will collaborate with other agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to carry out patrols on highways, municipal roads as well as federal roads.
“We will also provide assistance in terms of response and help road users in need as we are expecting a lot of movement of vehicles on the highway and other roads during the festive season due to less restrictions as the country moves towards the endemic phase.
“So that is why we will make sure all of the identified hotspots will be patrolled and risk studies will also be done at these locations,” he assured.
Emphasising on the importance of water safety, he said the department has identified numerous high-risk water bodies nationwide.
“However, we are also aware that many water bodies such as rivers, creeks, beaches, rapids and ponds have also recorded cases involving drowning.
“So we will continue the campaign for safety on water through advisory services and inspections in risky areas, while also putting up warning signs at these hotspots. We will also patrol these areas from time to time to advise visitors on water safety,” he said.
Apart from that, he said only 20 per cent of Bomba personnel will be allowed to take leave during Hari Raya.
“Eighty per cent of our 13,500 staff will be on duty during the festive season. All of our assets including land, marine and air assets are also prepared to be deployed in the event of emergencies,” he added.
“We advise those who are celebrating Hari Raya and those who go out for leisure during this festive season to ensure that the house is left in a safe condition, while commuting in a state of adequate rest in a safe vehicle.”
