Stakan JKKKs urged to keep fire extinguishers on hand

KUCHING: Every Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) in the Stakan constituency should be required to have fire extinguishers readily available within their respective communities.

Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim said the measure would strengthen preparedness at the community level, particularly in the event of fires and other emergencies.

He said he had proposed that the matter be discussed further with the District Office, including the possibility of making it a requirement for JKKKs and residents’ associations in villages and housing areas to have fire extinguishers at designated locations.

“If possible, I suggest that every JKKK or association in settlements, whether in villages, housing areas or elsewhere, be required to have fire extinguishers at their respective locations.

“At least, there should be several fire extinguishers placed within residential areas or villages, particularly across the Stakan constituency,” he told reporters after officiating the Program Bomba Komuniti DUN N.17 Stakan at Dewan Perpaduan Stakan, Taman Samarindah here today (Sept 12).

Hamzah said annual allocations provided to JKKKs could also be used to purchase fire extinguishers, if necessary.

He said the allocations, provided through the state government’s Outright Grant, could be redirected from less urgent activities towards purchasing essential fire safety equipment.

“Every year, I allocate some funding to each JKKK. Through this allocation, I believe there should be no problem for the JKKKs to use part of it to purchase fire extinguishers.

“Rather than spending on activities that may be less necessary, we can divert some of the allocation towards fire extinguishers because this is a priority and a current community need,” he said.

Hamzah said such preparedness IS important as communities should not wait until a disaster occurred before taking preventive measures.

He also welcomed the involvement of the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in community programmes, describing it as an effective approach to improving public awareness and preparedness.

He said similar initiatives should be expanded throughout Sarawak as fire safety was a concern that affected communities across the state.

“If we are not prepared to face disasters and emergencies, it could result in greater harm to those affected by fires and other incidents,” he said.

Hamzah said there are currently about 18 JKKKs in the Stakan constituency, excluding other associations and non-governmental organisations.

He added that while the constituency does not have as many villages as some other areas, it has a relatively high population density, making community-level preparedness particularly important.