BAGAN DATUK: The Malaysian Association of Registered Building Surveyors (MyRBS) and the Royal institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RSIM) have been instructed to conduct checks on tahfiz schools in the country to ensure that they are fire safety compliant, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the checks should also include old folks’ homes and orphanages, to ensure that they too adhere to safety specifications set by the authorities.
"This follows the Keramat tahfiz fire which claimed 23 lives last month.
"Although building standards are under the jurisdiction of local governments, (in the) public’s interest, MyRBS and RSIM can be proactive and take the initiative so that preventive measures can be taken.
"We should take whatever steps necessary to prevent a recurrence (of the tragedy) and place emphasis on safety. Life is invaluable and irreplaceable.
"Prevention is better than cure," he said in his speech after handing over 11 houses to fire victims in Kampung Kamatchy, Hutan Melintang here on Sunday.
The tahfiz fire incident had prompted the cabinet to instruct the Fire and Rescue Department to inspect the fire safety aspects of all religious schools including fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
On a separate matter, Zahid warned non-performing elected representatives of BN to be prepared to be replaced by more qualified candidates.
"This is a warning to leaders who have not been performing. I will advise the Prime Minister on this. You (leaders) can settle your personal problems when you are no longer the people's representatives. Leaders must be those who deliver and do not neglect their duties.
"(This is because) some quarters have been using racial sentiments against some (BN) leaders who have neglected their constituents, and are more focused on private matters," he added.
Earlier, Zahid checked out the homes built on the same lots where the buildings were razed in the fire on Nov 17 last year.
One of the house recipients, estate worker P. Ragu, 36, said he will now be able to celebrate Deepavali in a proper way.
"I would like to thank the state and federal governments for the assistance. With a monthly salary of RM800, I am not able to buy a house, so this gift is more than I could hope for. I have been renting a house for 11 months after the fire last year," said the father of two.