IPOH: A total of 10,718 fire and rescue cases were recorded from January to September this year, compared to 9,940 cases throughout 2022 in Perak.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon attributed the increase to the frequent occurrences of fire in private residences and business premises.
"We wish to stress here for the people to have awareness and basic knowledge, especially in terms of saving themselves should a fire break out.
"For example, every residence or premises needs to have fire extinguishers. This is important because, should there be a fire, we can bring it under control and prevent it from spreading,” he said on Tuesday (Sept 19) at the Perak Fire and Rescue Department monthly gathering at the Meru Jaya headquarters.
Earlier at the event, Sayani also celebrated the promotion of 19 firefighters from Grade KB 19 to Grade KB 22 and six officers from Grade KB 24 to Grade 22.
Meanwhile, he said a total of 265 areas nationwide had been identified as hotspots for potential floods at the end of this year.
According to Sayani, the Fire and Rescue Department is ready to face the disaster, especially in mobilising assistance for operations and logistics.
"For example, the engineering and operations divisions have been told always to test and assess the level of usage of equipment provided, such as boats, utility vehicles and all other safety equipment,” he said.– Bernama
