Suna showing a fire hydrant that has been vandalised for its copper.
SIBU: With about 50 fire hydrants having been vandalised here of late, the Fire and Rescue Department has called on the public to help safeguard the units that were targeted for their copper parts.
Bomba Central Station chief Suna Kaha said following an inspection on Wednesday (Nov 8), it was found that between 40 and 50 fire hydrants had been vandalised.
"In August, we lodged a police report after 16 hydrants were found damaged. But yesterday (Nov 8), we estimated that the number has shot up to between 40 and 50 units," said Suna on Thursday (Nov 9).
According to him, the culprits had probably used a hard object like a big hammer to hit the nozzle until it broke and stole its copper.
"They stole the copper components and sold them to scrap metal collectors.
"I appeal to collectors or scrap metal shops not to buy these things. Help us safeguard fire hydrants instead as they are an important asset in the event of a fire outbreak," he said.
Suna also called on the public to report either to the department or the police should they come across any damaged fire hydrants.
"When we have malfunctioning fire hydrants due to vandalism, the risk is very high as it could cost lives or properties in the event of a fire.
"I appeal to the local community to jointly safeguard and monitor fire hydrants. If they are damaged, report to us or the police," he said.
