Bintangor: Longhouse residents in the Meradong district have been reminded to prioritise safety measures while preparing for the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration to prevent fire incidents. Bintangor Fire and Rescue Station chief Mahmudin Narudin said residents should ensure that electrical wiring and cooking equipment, including gas hoses and cylinders, are in good condition, while avoiding the excessive use of power sockets and extension wiring.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mahmudin emphasized the importance of monitoring children's activities, advising parents to prevent them from playing with firecrackers or fireworks near flammable materials. He also urged longhouse committees to ensure that portable fire extinguishers are always in working order, enabling early action should a fire occur.

A total of 388 longhouses fall under the station's jurisdiction, comprising 107 in Meradong, 140 in Julau, and 141 in Pakan, he noted.