MELAKA: Madrasah Darul Muttaqim Krubong has set up a fire fighter squad last month as part of an effort to enhance fire safety awareness among its students.
State Deputy Housing, Local Government and Environment committee chairman Datuk Sazali Muhd Din said the squad, formed in August, was the first in the state and comprised of 20 students from the school.
"This is in line with our Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) directive to check all religious schools with regards to safety,” he said.
Sazali and Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Kamarulzaman Malik Abdullah were at the school today to conduct fire safety inspection.
Madrasah Darul Muttaqim Krubong has been in operation for the past five years and has about 80 students, aged between 10 and 19.
Meanwhile, Kamarulzaman said the state Fire and Rescue Department has prepared a schedule to inspect all 53 schools registered under Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM).
He said a special task force has been set up to inspect and monitor the religious schools on a weekly basis to monitor the school's fire safety plan.
"As of last August, we have inspected 38 schools with only three schools passing our inspections.
“The remaining schools have been ordered to improve their fire safety plan.
"The major issue here is that, when residents turn their homes into learning institutions, there were no proper emphasis given on fire safety and this can potentially lead to fire hazards," said Kamarulzaman.
He added that the department has set a timeframe for the religious schools to adhere to fire safety regulations.
"We are giving them two months to come up with a proper escape plan for their buildings. Otherwise, action will be taken against them,” he said.
The Madrasah’s owner and chairman Amir Ali said the school management is in the process of replacing fire extinguishers at all 24 cabins after they were misused by students.
"All our cabins have high security features, where our students are taught the importance of fire safety."