THE SARAWAK State Ministry of Housing and Local Government has agreed in principle to enforce an upcoming ruling for all new houses and buildings in Sarawak to be fitted with smoke detector and alarm systems starting this year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who heads the ministry, said that a bill to make the installation compulsory will be tabled in the state legislative assembly.
"This requirement for smoke detectors to be compulsory for all new homes and buildings will be tabled in the next state assembly sitting.
"It will be crucial in the efforts to prevent or reduce fires in the homes," he said.
Dr Sim was speaking at the launch of the Chinese New Year Fire Safety Awareness campaign in state capital Kuching yesterday.
He said that an amendment will be made to the Sarawak Buildings Ordinance 1994 in order to incorporate the mandatory items.
"I am working closely with Sarawak Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) and the State Attorney-General’s Chambers to get the matter done,” he added.
Last year, state Bomba director Datuk Khirudin Drahman had said that the department’s studies showed smoke detectors and alarms, as well as portable fire extinguishers, played vital roles in preventing fire from turning tragic in buildings.
"This detector and alarm if activated will trigger faster response from the people in the premise to act.
"Portable fire extinguishers will prevent the fire from getting big and spread. These items are crucial in buildings and homes.”
He said that occupants of a home may not be aware of a fire outbreak during the night or early morning hours if the premise is without such a system.
Meanwhile, Khirudin yesterday said that his department’s personnel statewide will be on alert for fires during this festive period.
Safety and prevention campaigns are being carried out now to garner public response to deter fire outbreaks, he added. – The Vibes, February 5, 2024
