Fire Hydrant Misuse Ministry Looking Into Heftier Fines As Deterrent

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The Local Government Development Ministry is reviewing the Fire Services Act 1988 to impose a higher compound against perpetrators misusing fire hydrants.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said this was to ensure that misuse can be prevented, given that the current compound is only between RM100 and RM500, and has not been updated since 1988.
“I think it is not enough to convey the message, but it must serve as a deterrent (on the misuse of fire hydrants).
“RM100 to RM500 is seen as too light (of a punishment), they (perpetrators) take it for granted as the amount is affordable.
“We will study and increase the amount of the compound, including prosecuting the perpetrators in court in the future,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
Nga was speaking at a press conference in Shah Alam after officiating the “Majlis Apresiasi Kecemerlangan Tahun 2022 KPKT” today.
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor MingOn May 11, Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Department chief issued an RM100 compound against a contractor for misusing a fire hydrant.
This was in relation to the local MP, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff’s move to channel water from a fire hydrant to a tanker and distribute it to her constituents during a shortage as a free water supply.
The fine was imposed for violating Section 26 of the Fire Services Act 1988, which criminalises using fire hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting.
The same law also makes it illegal to conceal or tamper with fire hydrants.
The department also explained that under Section 23(1) of the same act, only local water authorities may conduct work that could disrupt a fire hydrant or its water supply.
Even then, it must give at least seven days written notice to the state Fire and Rescue Department director.
Section 24, meanwhile, obliges water authorities to inform the state director as soon as possible, in writing, regarding any action that would affect the water supply to fire hydrants.
Siti Zailah made several Facebook posts last month showing her overseeing a tanker being filled with water from a fire hydrant amid a drought, and distributed them to her constituents.
A report by Harakahdaily quoted her as saying that her office had provided the tankers to help villagers who faced issues obtaining clean water during the Hari Raya celebration.
However, this prompted an investigation by the Local Government Development Ministry - which has jurisdiction over the Fire and Rescue Department.
Siti Zailah claimed she had permission from the department and Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd to source water from the fire hydrants.
However, Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department chief Zainal Madasin said there is no record of her asking permission. - Mkini

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