Pekanbaru: The Malaysian government, through its Consulate General in Pekanbaru, has donated portable fire extinguishers to 100 mosques in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia, as part of efforts to enhance the local community's preparedness for fire incidents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's Consul in Pekanbaru, Mohammed Hosnie Shahiran Ismail, stated that the initiative was funded by the Malaysia-Indonesia Strategic Relations Fund managed by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "This contribution reflects the Malaysian government's concern for the local community," he conveyed during the presentation of the fire extinguishers to mosque administrators. The event also saw the presence of a representative of Pekanbaru Mayor Markarius Anwar.

The initiative represents a collaboration between the Malaysian Consulate in Pekanbaru, the Fire and Rescue Department (DAMKAR), and the Pekanbaru Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Markarius expressed his appreciation for the gesture, noting that the contribution serves as a meaningful demonstration of care. He emphasized the hope that while fires can be prevented, the extinguishers will provide a crucial initial response if needed.

In the past, the Malaysian Consulate in Pekanbaru has also been involved in upgrading a clinic at the Ma'had Tafaqquh Tahfiz Centre in Riau, a project funded by the Malaysia-Indonesia Strategic Relations Fund last year.