ALOR STAR: There is a need for the government to increase public awareness on the importance of maintaining building safety, given the increase in fire cases in Malaysia.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said that on average, about 6,000 premises are destroyed by fire every year nationwide.
He said about 40 per cent of these involve private houses, while the remaining 60 per cent involve other types of buildings such as offices, factories, schools, and shophouses.
"The figure is still very high. The losses suffered from fire were also high and continue to increase every year.
"Most of the buildings built in Malaysia comply with the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, and were granted with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC). However many have failed to regularly maintain the safety system of their premises, and this becomes a problem when fire happens.
"The maintenance work may cost a bit more, but it is important to prevent fire which will bring losses to the owners," said Mohd Nor at the opening of the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department's Seminar on Fire Safety at the TH Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
Mohd Nor said the public should realise that when it comes to safety, the responsibility does not lie on the shoulders of the government alone.
"All parties should work together to ensure the safety of their premises. The awareness among the people on the issue should be increased," he said.
Over 400 people from various companies attended the one-day programme, aimed at increasing awareness among the people on the importance of maintaining the building safety system.