SIBU: The Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) has urged the relevant authorities to upgrade the Sibu Fire and Rescue Department’s disaster response equipment as soon as possible following the recent blaze that destroyed 10 of the 13 shophouse units in Jalan Khoo Peng Loong.
In a statement today, the chamber said the devastating fire had caused extensive financial losses to businesses, most of which are its members, and expressed its deepest sympathies to those affected.
“The Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by this sudden disaster and extends its sincere sympathy to all affected businesses and their families. We hope that, with the assistance of the government, the community and kind-hearted individuals, they will be able to rebuild and resume business as soon as possible,” it said.
The chamber said the incident had also highlighted the need to improve local firefighting equipment and emergency response capabilities as Sibu continues to develop, with commercial buildings becoming taller and more densely built.
It pointed out that the fire initially involved only a few units, but the absence of an aerial ladder fire engine meant firefighters were forced to battle the flames from ground level, limiting their ability to extinguish the fire on the upper floors.
According to the chamber, the delay in effectively containing the blaze allowed it to spread rapidly through the entire row of shophouses, resulting in extensive destruction.
While commending firefighters for their dedication and tireless efforts during the operation, the chamber stressed that more advanced firefighting equipment would significantly improve firefighting efficiency and help minimise the spread of major fires.
Among its recommendations were the acquisition of aerial ladder fire engines for high-rise buildings and multi-storey shophouses, more powerful fire engines equipped with high-pressure water pumps, additional large-capacity water tankers, modern breathing apparatus and rescue equipment, as well as an increase in the number of fire hydrants in commercial areas with regular inspections and maintenance.
The chamber also urged the authorities to strengthen firefighters’ professional training and conduct regular large-scale fire drills involving government agencies and non-governmental organisations to improve emergency preparedness.
In addition, it called on the government to review fire safety planning in older commercial areas by improving access for fire engines, enhancing fire compartmentation, upgrading fire hydrant systems and encouraging businesses to install automatic sprinkler and fire alarm systems while carrying out regular fire safety inspections.
The chamber further expressed concern that many fire hydrants in Sibu have become partially buried following road upgrading and resurfacing works, making them difficult to locate and use during emergencies.
It recommended a comprehensive inspection of all fire hydrants in the town to ensure they are clearly marked, comply with the required height standards and provide adequate water pressure.
It also urged the authorities to establish a regular inspection and maintenance programme and ensure that fire hydrants are adjusted accordingly whenever road improvement works are carried out so they remain fully accessible during emergencies.
The chamber said protecting lives and property is a shared responsibility and expressed hope that the authorities would take the incident seriously by reviewing existing firefighting resources and enhancing disaster response capabilities to better safeguard the community against future major fires.
