KUALA LUMPUR – After images of barbwire placed on a stairway went viral on social media, the police have assured that it was done in agreement with the Fire and Rescue Department.
Despite Wangsa Maju OCPD Ashari Abu Sabah’s assurances, the barbwire at the stairway has been removed.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Hamdan Wahid told Malaysiakini that corrective measures have been taken.
“The barbwire is now only set up at the ground floor after the final exit. There are no longer any obstructions to the fire escape route,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Ashari said in a statement that only Block C in PPR Kg Baru Air Panas was placed under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO).
“The police along with the army placed barbwire along the block’s stairway to prevent residents from exiting or entering the area.
“The installation of the barbwire was also agreed on during a meeting on the implementation of the EMCO attended by the Fire and Rescue Department.”
He acknowledged the concerns voiced by netizens with regard to safety, as stairways are an important exit route during emergencies.
He said there are other routes residents can use and in the event of emergencies, the army is able to dismantle the barbwires in a very short amount of time.
Earlier today, photos of army personnel placing barbwire on the stairway were uploaded by Bernama on its social media accounts. – The Vibes, July 3, 2021
.jpg)
