JBPM ramps up inspections at hotels and homestays for Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri, with 80% of fire personnel on duty to ensure rapid emergency response.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is intensifying fire safety inspections at accommodation premises nationwide. This initiative, part of its Siap Siaga Raya programme, targets hotels, homestays, and chalets ahead of the Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri celebrations.

Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the move addresses the growing trend of people renting accommodation when returning to their hometowns. He noted that analysis from the past three years shows a decline in non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

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“This indicates better compliance, from 17% to about 14%, but we cannot afford to be complacent and will continue enforcement efforts,” he told reporters today. The department has also prepared for a swift response to emergencies, particularly road accidents in areas expecting heavy festive congestion.

“Our teams will be stationed at strategic locations to enable us to respond within 30 minutes in anticipated congestion areas,” Nor Hisham said. Patrols at water recreational sites nationwide will also be intensified following a recent rise in drowning cases.

He stated that drowning incidents increased during the recent Chinese New Year celebration despite warning signs. “We will enhance patrols, provide advice and prohibit activities if water conditions are unsafe,” he added.

On personnel management, Nor Hisham confirmed a leave freeze for Hari Raya Aidilfitri involving 80% of personnel to ensure operational readiness. This means 80% will be on duty while 20% are on leave.

“We will coordinate plans, especially for personnel from Sabah and Sarawak, to facilitate early flight bookings,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia