New longhouse safety dimension in S’wak highlights protection against fires

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Lichong (right) monitors the new longhouse construction progress. — Bernama photo

SEBAUH, Sarawak: With his people behind him, Tuai Rumah (longhouse headman) Lichong Along decided to move his longhouse residents to a new site near Jalan Bintulu-Bakun, less than one kilometre from its original location.

According to him, the old longhouse located at the bank of Sungai Kemena is often flooded during the rainy season, they also agreed to move after taking into account other factors such as the vicinity to the road new location making it easier to instal electricity and water supply.

He said the construction of the new longhouse called ‘Lichong Longhouse’ (longhouses are usually named after the headman) had started in September 2017 and is expected to be completed in two years and could accommodate 193 residents.

Moving into a new house is quite a norm, but interestingly Lichong Longhouse residents unanimously wanted their new house to have a modern design.

“The modern design includes the building material not being wooden; instead it will be made of bricks, cement and concrete for safety reasons, especially to prevent a fire from spreading. A total of 31 units will be built on the new longhouse site compared with only 17 doors on the old site,” the 59-year-old Tuai Rumah told Bernama.

Lichong said the residents also agreed to have the same design for the exterior of the longhouse, but its interior decorations depend on the needs and personal taste of the respective residents.

“We are aware that the rapid spread of fire at longhouses is due to its wooden structure.

“Hence, at the new longhouse each unit (door) of the house will be separated with a concrete wall that will act as a fire breaker to avoid such incidents, we also make sure the wiring is done by a certified contractor,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department director (fire safety division) Edwin Galan Teruki welcomed the construction of a longhouse which focused on safety factors to prevent the spread of fire.

He revealed that about 10 years ago, he had presented a working paper on necessary security measures for longhouses during a meeting with longhouse headmen in Miri.

“At the meeting, I mentioned the need for a fire breaker to prevent the spread of a fire, although at that point my suggestion was rejected as it seemed like breaking the (tradition of a) longhouse but recently, we could see a better awareness and the concept has been accepted,” he added.

He said apart from the fire breaker, other matters like electrical wiring needed to be done accordingly to avoid fire accidents.

“Electrical wiring should be made perfectly, should not be left exposed and the wires should not be folded. Other than that, take good care while cooking, and never leave the stove on without supervision,” he said.