KUCHING: Residents of Tupong who live or operate businesses in wooden buildings have been asked to take extra precautions and replace old electrical wiring.
Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said this yesterday after visiting wooden shophouses destroyed by fire in Kampung Pinang Jawa recently.
He pointed out that as there are many wooden structures, especially houses, in the Tupong area, residents should take extra precautions.
“We understand that there are a lot of wooden structures in Tupong. There are not less than six cases of fire here and we are sad with this situation,” said Daud, who is Tupong assemblyman.
He said in most cases, old wiring, faulty circuits or fuses were to blame for the fires.
“We understand that cost is a factor, should they need to replace the whole building to concrete. But what matters is routine maintenance of the wiring system. This at least can lessen the risks.”
On the shophouses affected, Daud said the block was covered by insurance and he would help to speed up the compensation process.
“We hope that all documentation can be settled within these few months, so construction work can start by January.”
He added that the sundry shops were doing well and served the community around Kampung Gita.
Meanwhile, building owner Yeo Chiew Tick said he was unable to estimate the total loss.
The 50-year-old building was destroyed last week in a fire believed to have started from the upper floor of an audio accessories shop.