SANDAKAN: The government will intensify fire rescue and safety training in water villages and squatter settlements identified as high-risk following the recent Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi fire which posed challenges to rescue operations.
Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said the decision considered densely packed housing conditions, narrow access routes and obstructions that hindered rescue team movement during the incident.
She said Fire and Rescue Department personnel had worked to save lives and property despite difficulties in containing the blaze in Kampung Bahagia.
She said discussions at the ministry level stressed the need for community training to improve emergency preparedness and fire prevention awareness, with efforts in Sandakan to begin through collaboration with the Sandakan Municipal Council to identify high-risk areas for regular programmes.
She said the establishment of more volunteer fire brigades is also being encouraged to provide early assistance to residents before the arrival of fire and rescue personnel, especially in difficult situations.
