PETALING JAYA, Feb 24 — Selangor recorded the highest losses from fires nationwide last year following a rise in factory blazes.

Federal Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said factory fires contributed to most of the RM927.3 million in losses in the state.

“Factory fires often lead to losses amounting to more than RM1 million in each incident,” he said at the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department’s Excellent Performance Awards presentation ceremony yesterday.

A total of 105 personnel were recognised for exemplary performance last year.

Wan Mohd Nor said some of the fires saw deaths and injuries.

He said the department aimed to reduce losses by 50 per cent this year by conducting regular checks on factories.

“We will also train and educate workers on measures to be taken during an emergency. Hopefully, this will reduce the amount of losses from fires,” he said.

He said stations in the state responded to emergencies within an average of 15 minutes which was better than the national average of 20 minutes. 

“However,  we can do better as 44.46 per cent of emergencies last year saw a response within 10 minutes.

“We will work on improving response time this year so that more than 50 per cent of emergencies nationwide will be attended to within 10 minutes,” he said.

Wan Mohd Nor said three fire stations would be built in Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Meru and Teluk Baling Negara.

He said construction will be completed next year with more than 100 personnel to be recruited for the stations.