SHAH ALAM: Selangor Fire and Rescue Department saved RM29.54 billion worth of properties and valuables from fires last year.
The record was a huge increase compared to previous years, from RM21.13 billion in 2016, RM7.49 billion (2015) and RM5.438 billion (2014).
Its director Azmi Osman said the success was attributed to several factors including efficient operations and increased public awareness.
"Statistics showed that the department managed to save RM29.54 billion in value, for properties and valuables, between Jan and Dec 2017, compared to losses of RM796 million due to fire during that period.
"This success can be attributed to efficient firefighting operations by our firemen, who managed to control the fire from spreading. I also would like to thank the community and volunteer fire squads in the state, who had relentlessly worked to spread awareness to the public on fire safety, and for their assistance to us in providing early response to cases.
"It also comes from the government's support towards the department by acquiring firefighting assets, and providing enough manpower and sufficient training by the Federal Fire and Rescue Department to firemen," he said.
Azmi said they received a total of 19,041 emergency calls last year, of which 6,393 were of fire incidents. From these cases, the department recorded 31 deaths and 72 injured victims, while 96 were saved.
During the same period, the department responded to 12,551 cases which required rescue operations.
Azmi said they plan to further engage the public to increase awareness and achieve even better results.