JOHOR BARU: The Johor Fire and Rescue Department will be meeting with the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday to discuss the standard operating procedures (SOP) on fire and Covid-19, says department director Datuk Yahaya Madis.

       He said the department will be involved in conducting a safety and risk analysis on all buildings and premises that will be used for the state election.

       “We will meet with the EC right after it announces the dates for polling and nomination, to discuss this matter.

       “This is so we can provide safety guidelines such as exit paths and assembly points for all the buildings that will be used as polling stations, and the SOP imposed by the government to prevent Covid-19 infection,” he said after opening the state Fire and Rescue Department’s monthly assembly at the department headquarters here yesterday.

       He also said leave for the department’s personnel has been limited until the end of the state election.

       He added that firemen on duty during polling day will be provided with postal voting forms.

       “For example, if they are working in Mersing but have to vote in Muar, they will have to vote via post as the distance would be too great.

       “The number of department personnel carrying out postal voting is small as the election is only for the state, unlike a general election where those who come from other states have to return to their hometowns or vote via post,” he added.

       Earlier during the event, Yahaya awarded certificates of appreciation to members of the media, including from The Star, for their coverage of the department’s activities.

       “The media has played an important role in sharing our responsibilities with the public,” he said.

       Yahaya also awarded Norazmi Mohd Top with a certificate of appreciation for catching a burglar who attempted to break into an apartment on the 19th floor of a building in Jalan Tahana, Taman Bukit Aliff, in July last year.

       According to Norazmi, 42, he initially thought the man was trying to jump off the building but realised what was happening after hearing the homeowner’s plea for help. The suspect was subdued before any attempted escape.