MELAKA – Melaka incurred losses amounting to RM65,403,328 due to fires this year, an increase of about RM55 million from RM10 million in the corresponding period last year.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Obaidat Mohamad said the value of property salvaged during the period, however, increased by almost RM137 million from RM691 million last year to RM828 million this year.
"There were also less incidents involving fires in Melaka by 591 cases from 2,486 cases last year, to 1,895 cases this year.
“However, the number of fatalities increased to six this year from only two last year, and there were 80 people injured this year, with only 14 last year, while the number of people rescued was 72 this year and 83 people last year," he said today.
He said the number of structural fires increased by 57 cases to 344 cases this year compared with 287 cases last year, while vehicle fires also increased by nine cases to 139 cases this year, from 130 cases last year.
Obaidat said in rescue activities this year, 35 people died, 253 people were injured and 389 were rescued compared with 52 deaths, 363 injuries and 444 people rescued in the corresponding period last year.
He said this year, the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department recorded 5,766 telephone calls, involving 1,895 fire calls, 1,832 rescue calls, 2,032 special service calls and seven fake calls.
Last year, there were 4,754 calls involving 2,486 fire calls, 2,021 rescue calls, 242 special service calls and five fake calls, he added.
He said the department will continue to hold campaigns and talks at schools and public places to provide awareness on fire hazards in the community, as well as hold fire drills at government and private premises, especially public places, like supermarkets, factories and offices. – Bernama, December 30, 2020
