Kota kinabalu: Unsafe electrical wiring and illegal connections, along with negligent use, have been identified as the major causes of fires that hit water villages in Sabah, causing losses of up to RM156.07 million last year. Sabah Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz highlighted the various factors exacerbating the situation, such as the use of candles, open flames, and open burning near homes, which allow fires to spread rapidly through the densely packed wooden structures.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Pisar Aziz noted that last year's fires in water settlements claimed 15 lives and injured 51 individuals. He expressed concern over the low awareness among residents regarding the installation of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The department remains proactive but faces challenges regarding operational access due to narrow, unstable pathways and limited water sources, which pose risks to firefighters on duty.
Although rescue response times adhere to established standards, physical access constraints can delay efforts. Mohd Pisar urged the implementation of stricter construction guidelines, emphasizing the importance of dedicated emergency access routes, fire-resistant building materials, and strict utility connection controls. He cited examples such as the Kampung Bahagia fire, which destroyed 1,000 homes on April 19, and the Kampung Karamunting fire, which destroyed 30 homes shortly thereafter.
Mohd Pisar also mentioned the department's ongoing fire safety campaigns since 2023 in areas such as Tawau, Semporna, Sandakan, and Kota Kinabalu. The department's Household Risk Management Preparedness Programme (SURI) has trained 32,498 participants, focusing on women through 254 sessions. Additionally, 50 Community Fire Teams have been established with 500 members as first responders, alongside the setting up of 'Fire Point' centres in high-risk villages.
Meanwhile, Sabah community activist Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto stressed that fires are no longer isolated incidents and reflect the urgent need for inclusive and safe urban development. He argued that large-scale relocation is not the only practical solution due to its high costs and social impacts on residents. Mohd Zaki advocated for gradual in-situ upgrading, improved electrical systems, expanded fire hydrant networks, and redesigned housing layouts for emergency access. He called for the cooperation of homeowners and urged non-governmental organisations to provide basic emergency equipment to prevent communities from living under the persistent threat of fire-related losses.