Safeguard fire hydrants, residents told

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MARAN: Fire hydrants are critical during emergency situations, but this does not stop vandals and thieves from stealing or damaging them.

Those who steal the items do so because the iron and steel that fire hydrants are made of fetch good money.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said at least 13% of some 20,000 fire hydrants installed in the state were either stolen or damaged.

“Records show that the number of such cases is increasing and we view this seriously.

Educational: Abdul Wahab briefs school children on the functions of the firemen’s equipment. Looking on is Datuk Shahaniza.

“It is costly to replace hydrants as each costs between RM4,000 and RM6,000,” he told reporters after launching the “Teman Pili Bomba” community programme in Felda Jengka 4 here, recently.

Also present at the launch was Kuala Sentul assemblyman Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin.

Abdul Wahab said the money used to replace or repair fire hydrants came from public funds.

“A fire hydrant is meant for all during emergencies.

“It is very important and everyone must be responsible for looking after fire hydrants,” he added.

Abdul Wahab said the programme is meant to educate and create awareness among the public on the need to be more responsible.

He added that 70 people in Kuala Sentul had signed up as “friends” of fire hydrant and the campaign would be introduced in other districts as well.

“The work is simple — they only need to safeguard, observe and take note of anything that happens to the fire hydrants that are located close to their homes.

“They will then submit reports to the department,” he added.

Abdul Wahab noted that some of the damage might be caused by accidents or negligence. In those instances, he suggested that the vehicle’s registration number and model, and date and time of the incident be noted and forwarded to the department for the next course of action.

He said action could be taken under the Fire Services Act 1988, which carries a fine of RM5,000 or jail up to three years, or both.