KUCHING: There will be more patrols and community engagement by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department ahead of Hari Raya to prevent fires during the festive season.

       State director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said this was important, especially as Malaysia is transitioning into the endemic phase of Covid-19, with more sectors opening up and activities being allowed.

       “There was a decrease in the number of fires in the last two years as people were more careful during the movement control order period.

       “But we are seeing a rise in the first three months of this year, with 37 cases involving seven deaths as of March 31,” he told reporters after the launch of a Hari Raya fire safety campaign here yesterday.

       Khirudin said as part of the campaign, the department’s personnel would carry out nightly patrols within a 5km radius of all 38 fire stations in Sarawak from now until Hari Raya.

       “We will also engage with community firemen to raise awareness on fire safety, focusing on the 3L factors of ‘lupa, lalai, leka’ (forgetful, careless, negligent), which are the common causes of fire,” he added.

       State Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who launched the campaign, said it was timely to remind the public to be careful in their preparations for Hari Raya.

       “After two years of the pandemic, people are now excited to be able to celebrate in near-normal circumstances, but don’t be forgetful, careless or negligent, especially in the kitchen,” she said.

       Fatimah said the campaign was targeted at stay-home mothers and housewives through the Celik Suri fire safety programme as well as children in the department’s Kelab 3K (children’s fire safety club).

       “It’s important to teach children about fire safety and prevention in a way that is appropriate to their age,” she added.