MELAKA, April 1 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will inspect about 320 business premises including shopping malls, public halls and hotels to ensure the safety of visitors during Ramadan.

Its director Abu Bakar Katain said the inspection would commence one week after Muslims observed Ramadan and would continue two weeks after the Aidilfitri celebration. 

“The inspection will be carried out by the firefighters in each district and zone, with emphasis, among others, on fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation routes in the event of a fire.

“This is because business premises will usually increase the stock of their goods before the Aidilfitri celebration and place them on the staircase thus blocking the route,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the auxiliary firefighters accreditation course Series 1/2022 at the Ayer Keroh Fire and Rescue station here today.

He said any premises found not complying with the rules would be issued a notice and could be fined up to RM5,000, if convicted.

In the meantime, Abu Bakar said the department had identified three hotspots where fires often occur during the dry season namely, Merlimau, Jasin and Masjid Tanah in Alor gajah.

-- BERNAMA