KUCHING: An improved longhouse concept proposed by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) that includes fire safety features approved by the Sarawak government can be a significant effort in curbing fire outbreaks.
The first of these improved longhouses to be constructed and then completed in 2017 was Rumah Collin Sait in Bukit Peninjau Bakong, Miri.
“Recently, a committee has been set up to relook at it,” said Sarawak Bomba director Khirudin Drahman during an interview with New Sarawak Tribune.
He also welcomed the suggestion made by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing that all Dayak longhouses should be arranged in blocks of not more than 10 houses with a firebreak in between each block.
Fire safety in Dayak longhouses need to be urgently addressed in light of the general increase in the number of longhouse fires over the last 16 and the half years.
According to statistics collated by Sarawak Bomba, fires in longhouses have resulted in an estimated RM192,611,460 in losses from 2003 to June this year.
Perhaps even more upsetting is that these occupants have not only lost their homes, but also antiques and sentimental items which are priceless and irreplaceable.
As many as nine cases of longhouse fires have been reported in Sarawak in the first seven months of this year alone. Out of these nine, the fire at Rumah Lepang Sayat, Engkilili in Lubok Antu last Monday is still under investigation, but the other eight have all been attributed to accidental causes involving electrical short circuits, overload or gas equipment.
Reviewing the nine fire cases reported this year, six of them unfortunately resulted in the complete destruction of all units within the longhouse.
Touching on the key causes of fires, Khirudin brought up the elements of the three “Ls” – lupa, lalai and leka (being forgetfulness, carelessness and lackadaisical). He frowned upon carelessness when it comes to fire, commenting that this would only create trouble.
When asked on his advice to longhouse occupants in terms of fire safety, Khirudin listed various key culprits of fire outbreaks that they should be aware of.
“Worn-out wiring, over-use of electrical appliances, short circuits, poor housekeeping, improper storage of combustible materials, accessibility of gas lighters or matches to underage children,” he said.
Khirudin also reinforced that safety lies in the hands of the tuai rumah (longhouse chief) and those under them, adding that Bomba will be there to assist. He strongly encouraged them to join in their programmes involving fire prevention and precautions.
“They must understand that when a fire comes, it will take everything,” Khirudin stressed.
