KUCHING: An awareness to have at least a fire extinguisher at home among society is still low.
Deputy Director of Operation Department, State Fire and Rescue, Tiong Ling Hii felt sad as the people cannot afford to buy a fire extinguisher but able to but mobile phone and television with high price.
“A fire extinguisher costs around RM120 up to RM130 each compared to a mobile phone and TV set which costs a thousand ringgit or more each. But, why people can afford to have one?” said Tiong.
He pointed this out during “Majlis Lan Berambeh Gawai Raya Bomba Komuniti 2017 (P.195 N6 and N7) in Kuching, last Sunday night.
Tiong said fire extinguisher is important because it is the first fire prevention tool to be used at home if fire accident occurs
“We can’t give a fire extinguisher to every house, therefore, if we have such programme at a certain village, we will distribute five units of fire extinguishers.
“It is hoped the villagers will buy their own fire extinguishers to be placed in their house as a precaution,” he explained.
He also said, possibly the society is still not aware of the need to have fire extinguishers; however, he hoped society members would be aware of the matter for their own safety.
Besides that, Tiong said Fire Community plays a role to assist the fire department to handle fire accidents
“The Fire Community has been established three years ago and some of the members are the villagers with zero basic course compared to our own fire personnel with more than four years training.
“But we give two-day course to train those who are interested to contribute to society, such as teaching them on how to use the fire extinguisher effectively and other skills,” he stated.
Therefore, since the active involvement as a fire community team, the department noted that it showed some positive impacts because fire can be put off or extinguished.
Also present were Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue chief Mohd. Mirza Dralmira Miraj and Organising Chairman TG Uwan Ak Ijot.
