IPOH: Nga Kor Ming, the Housing and Local Government Minister, has instructed the Fire and Rescue Department to conduct a large-scale operation to inspect over 400,000 fire hydrants in the country to ensure they are functioning properly, particularly during emergencies.
Nga stated that there are a total of 351,000 government-owned hydrants and 65,000 privately owned hydrants in Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of regularly checking the 45,000 hydrants in Perak to ensure their proper function.
He added that although the 337 fire stations nationwide conduct scheduled checks, efforts must be intensified to ensure adequate pressure from the hydrants. He instructed the department’s director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamamad, to carry out the operation.
Nga urged vigilance due to the hot weather, which increases the risk of fires. He also recommended that owners of old buildings, especially those 50 years old and above, regularly check the wiring system to prevent fire hazards.
Referring to the recent fire at the Pasir Putih wet market, Nga reported that the 67-year-old market suffered 90% structural damage, affecting around 70 traders. He assured that the government would provide emergency funds, with each trader receiving RM1,500 by the next day.
He also called for the avoidance of speculation regarding the cause of the fire until the department’s K9 unit arrives and provides the real story. Nga promised to expedite the allocation of funds for the market’s reconstruction once the report is released.
