KUALA LUMPUR – Property losses caused by fires last year were double the allocated budget of the Perak government, according to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Citing statistics from the Fire and Rescue Department, Nga said the losses nationwide amounted to a whopping RM2.62 billion, against Perak’s annual budget of RM1.3 billion.
“Last year, the fire department took action against almost 38,000 cases nationwide. Although it also recorded property losses of RM2.62 billion,” he said at JBPM’s Ops Siaga 2024 launch at the Sogo Shopping Complex today.
“This is an immense loss, as compared to Perak’s budget allocation of RM1.3 billion. Losses from fires are about two years’ worth of Perak’s budget.”
With over 3,000 fire cases recorded monthly, Nga urged the public to take preventive measures, particularly during hot spells.
He advised homeowners, especially those celebrating Aidilfitri, to ensure the safety of their residences before travelling.
Furthermore, Nga cautioned against the use of open fires for waste disposal, noting a sevenfold increase in related incidents in February compared to January this year.
Meanwhile, Nga announced that his ministry and the department had jointly allocated RM267 million for asset and project acquisition within a year, adding that the allocation was the largest in history for the department.
He said RM147 million from the total will be used to acquire 150 compact fire and rescue trucks, which will be provided in phases.
Separately, Nga also announced that his ministry will allocate some RM50 million to add 100 public recreational parks for the next five years.
With a total budget of RM250 million, Nga aimed to construct 1,000 parks within a decade. – March 30, 2024