OVER 800 FIREFIGHTERS ON STANDBY FOR CNY, HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI IN JOHOR

KLUANG, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- More than 800 personnel from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) have been placed on standby for the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive seasons to respond to any emergencies in Johor. 

State JBPM director Siti Rohani Nadir said the measure involves 34 fire stations across four zones: Zone 1 (Johor Bahru, Pontian and Kulai), Zone 2 (Kota Tinggi and Mersing), Zone 3 (Batu Pahat and Kluang), and Zone 4 (Muar, Segamat and Tangkak).

Personnel on duty will remain at their respective stations to respond swiftly to any incidents, whether fires or other emergencies, particularly at residential areas and high-traffic premises, she said.

“We are also carrying out Fire Safety Inspections (Fire Hazard Elimination) at crowded locations such as shopping malls, supermarkets, retail outlets and hotels. 

“To date, we have inspected 31 high-risk premises. The inspections began on Feb 19 and will continue until April 6,” she told reporters here today.

She was speaking after the launch of the state-level Public Awareness and Safety Campaign in conjunction with the 2026 Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, officiated by Kluang member of Parliament Wong Shu Qi.

Siti Rohani said the department is targeting inspections of 200 high-traffic premises during the period, adding that four Fire Hazard Elimination notices have been issued so far to premises found to be non-compliant.

Among the violations detected were the storage of combustible items that heightened fire risks, blocked emergency exits, poorly maintained fire safety equipment and non-functioning safety systems.

“JBPM Johor will also extend fire safety inspections to other popular spots such as guesthouses, resorts and holiday destinations.

“We urge individuals and business operators to check their own premises, as festive seasons typically see increased cooking and heavier use of electricity and gas, which elevate the risk of fire,” she said.

On today’s programme, she said the highlights included safety briefings by JBPM officers, fire-extinguisher demonstrations, and practical, easy-to-follow fire safety tips for the public.

-- BERNAMA