SEREMBAN: The Fire and Rescue Department will soon launch a second phase of fire safety inspections – this time, for non-Muslim religious and education centres nationwide.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said the operation is expected to commence next month.
“Following (several incidents) involving tahfiz schools, we believe that non-Muslim religious premises and education centres should also be inspected to ensure the safety of their occupants. (This includes) premises in rural areas.
"We will focus… especially (on centres) with large numbers of (students, or those with) boarding facilities. We are aware that some of the premises set up in rural areas are operating illegally… and our concern is (access to emergency exits) at the schools in case of fire,” he said during a press conference after launching the Fire Safety Seminar here today.
Also present was state Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis.
However, Wan Mohd Nor said that the Department is still focussing on the safety of tahfiz schools nationwide, following numerous blazes, including the deadly Darul Quran Ittifaqiah tahfiz school in Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur.
“The government has issued an order for the Department to conduct thorough fire safety inspections at all tahfiz schools. Based on inspections (so far), we have identified 252 tahfiz schools which fail to comply with safety measures set by the Department.
“That is about 20.30 per cent of 1,238 tahfiz centres registered nationwide,” he said.
Among the safety standards set by the Department are access to emergency exits and adequate ladders; good condition of electrical wiring; availability of fire extinguishers smoke detectors and water supply for firefighting; access for fire engines; and separate cooking areas.
“We believe (the Department’s report) will help the government make necessary improvements for the benefit of all parties involved,” Wan Mohd Nor added.