PUTRAJAYA – The introduction of the combined use of new innovation together with the present fire extinguishers may be needed, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
He said that apart from doing the rewiring process that has been identified as the main cause of school fires, studies on the use of new equipment to prevent fire can be seen as an alternative to the present method.
Mahdzir said he viewed seriously the issue of fires as the ministry has more than 10,000 schools that require attention, especially in terms of safety.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of the Elide Fire Ball, a fire prevention equipment that is based on organic sources, here Thursday, Mahdzir said he fully supports any effort done towards the use of a new alternative in addressing fire cases in schools.
Weighing 1.3kg, and only needs to be thrown towards the burning object, the Elide Fire Ball is an automatic fire extinguisher that has been used in Europe, the United States and Japan. In Malaysia, the fire extinguishing ball is distributed by the Euro Manpower Supply Sdn Bhd.
When asked whether the ministry is prepared to consider the use of the Elide Fire Ball equipment in schools, he said the matter needs to go through further discussion and observation from the ministry, particularly in terms of cost and its need in schools.
Source: BERNAMA