Melaka: The amount of losses due to fire incidents in Melaka went down to RM25.7 million last year from RM50.1 million in 2023. State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz said 2024 also recorded RM331.49 million worth of property saved from fires.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the reduction in fire-related losses indicates growing public awareness about the importance of fire safety at home and on premises. The improvement has been supported through programmes and campaigns conducted with the community, which have had a significant impact on encouraging early preventive measures, ultimately saving lives and property in the event of a fire. Mohd Pisar shared these insights with reporters during the launch of the Op Tahun Baharu Cina 2025 JBPM Melaka at Dataran Ayer Keroh last night. The event was inaugurated by Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin.

Mohd Pisar added that last year, Melaka JBPM received a total of 5,081 emergency calls compared to 4,494 in 2023, along with four prank calls compared to just one the previous year. Meanwhile, he noted that the state fire department would enhance preparedness during festive holiday seasons by conducting patrols, particularly in accident-prone areas.

He also mentioned the inspection of high-traffic premises such as shopping centres and the implementation of more frequent patrols at recreational beaches in the state where water activities and picnicking take place.