KUCHING: The initial five minutes of a fire outbreak are critical and it demands an informed and swift response from the community.
Instead of taking photos or videos of the fire, a prompt and educated reaction is essential to prevent a small fire from turning into a big disaster.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Datuk Khirudin Drahman @ Hussaini stressed that the public should refrain from taking photos or videos during a fire, as flames could spread within minutes and the smoke within seconds.
This cautionary message follows yesterday’s devastating six shophouse blaze at Mile 7, resulting in the tragic loss of a 12-year-old boy’s life.
Social media was flooded with dozens of photos and videos showing thick black smokes coming from the shophouses.
“Priority lies in keeping a cool head and calmly assessing the situation to identify the most effective approach for the fire extinguishing deed.
“A fire cannot be prevented by giving statements or reactive statements as it requires heightened awareness among the community,” he said.
In his column with New Sarawak Tribune, Khirudin expressed his hope for every household to possess at least one operational portable fire extinguisher, strategically placed and easily accessible.
Unfortunately, recent studies unveiled a disconcerting lack of concern about fire safety in Malaysian homes.
According to the Basic Amenities Survey Report 2022 by the Statistics Department, published in September last year, 90 per cent of households nationwide lack a fire extinguisher.
Only 8.9 per cent of homes possess this critical safety device, often considered as the first line of defence. In Sarawak, the situation is particularly alarming where, only 5.3 per cent of homes own at least one portable fire extinguisher.
