Almost 500 notices have been issued by the Fire and Rescue Department to shopping malls and supermarkets to eliminate fire hazards in public areas, according to Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir. These notices were given after the department’s annual inspection, particularly during the festive season. Last year, the department inspected 775 premises and issued 498 notices to building owners for not complying with fire safety rules and regulations.
Siti Rohani explained that the main focus of the inspections was to ensure that fire safety systems, including break glass fire alarms, fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and hose reels, were in proper working order. She made these remarks to reporters after the state-level Hari Raya Fire Safety Campaign launch at @mart Kempas on March 31.
During the first three months of this year, the department conducted 318 inspections and issued 162 notices. Siti Rohani emphasized that fire hazards also include items blocking escape routes, such as grill doors or obstructions that hinder residents or the public from saving themselves during emergencies.
She also urged the public to refrain from open burning activities during the current dry weather, as fires can spread rapidly. Whether clearing unwanted furniture from homes or tidying up lawns, she advised against the dangerous practice of burning items. She also called on landfill operators to ensure their sites are free from open burning, as incidents at such locations require substantial manpower and resources.
As of March 30, the department had recorded 1,001 fire incidents involving trash and bushes, as well as 46 cases of peatland fires. Siti Rohani noted that most peatland fires occurred in gardens and farms in hotspot areas like Muar, Segamat, Pengerang, Pagoh, and Mersing.
Regarding personnel leave during Hari Raya, Siti Rohani mentioned that only 30% of the department’s 1,354 staff were allowed to take leave, with the possibility of being called back to work if necessary. This measure aims to ensure adequate manpower during the festive period.
