KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged the state government to take a proactive stance on the safety of old buildings, following the recent fire that destroyed three pre-war shophouses along Jalan Besar on Oct 19.
The Ruler expressed concern over apparent lapses in monitoring these ageing structures, calling for local authorities, including the Fire and Rescue Department, to conduct comprehensive safety inspections.
"I urge the administration to assess old buildings and develop a new policy addressing their safety. I fear that similar incidents could occur elsewhere. This event should serve as a wake-up call for local authorities," he said during a visit to the fire site.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said there was a need to apply strict regulations to new constructions and highlighted the inconsistency in addressing the safety of older buildings.
"It's time to inspect these premises. If a building is deemed unsafe, the fire and rescue department should take action rather than remain silent. We cannot afford to risk lives or property," he said.
The fire, which occurred at 4.30pm, engulfed a grocery store, a carpet shop, and a money exchange outlet, requiring the efforts of about 40 firefighters from four stations to extinguish the flames.
The Sultan also stressed the need for agencies responsible for monitoring the safety of old buildings to take decisive action.
"They must conduct inspections and provide professional safety advice to ensure the public remains vigilant. If a premises is unsafe, it should be declared so," he added.
"I saw the footage on TikTok, and it was quite frightening. I hope the victims remain patient," he said, expressing gratitude to the firefighters for their swift response.
Pahang's Local Government, Housing, Environment, and Green Technology Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said that owners of pre-war buildings in the state capital must conduct regular safety inspections to comply with fire safety codes.
"It is the owners' responsibility to check the electrical wiring in their buildings. Local authorities will assist in inspecting the premises, including those designated as heritage sites," he said.