BATU PAHAT: Those going back for their long Hari Raya break have been reminded to ensure all electrical points in their homes are switched off.

       Fire and Rescue Department assistant director general (operations) Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad (pic) said a fire could start because of simple things like battery chargers or decorative lights being left switched on.

       “Many of these electrical products are not of good quality or properly certified and can easily heat up and catch fire if left switched on for a long period of time,” he said in an interview.

       Nor Hisham said that based on past statistics, the department handled about 80 fires daily nationwide during the two-week Hari Raya period.

       Last year, they handled 1,108 cases while in 2020, 966 cases and 2019, 1,143.

       In 2021, there were 119 house fires alone, 2020 (82) and 2019 (132).

       He also advised people to get an electrician to check their main circuit breakers in their houses before going on their break.

       He said the department would only allow 20% of its workforce of 14,000 to take leave during this long holiday period.

       “We will be mobilising more than 11,200 personnel nationwide,” he said.

       Thirteen mobile units would be deployed from now until May 8 along the North-South Expressway and East Coast Highway to improve response time during an emergency.

       “We will be deploying our rapid intervention motorcycles as first responders.

       “We will also be mobilising personnel along 20 popular beach areas nationwide,” he said, adding that those with an emergency should immediately contact the 999 hotline.