KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS), in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), has launched an electrical safety awareness campaign targeting the century-old shophouses in Padungan to prevent fire hazards and ensure building integrity.
Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, during a press conference today (Jan 21), stressed the importance of proactive maintenance and electrical safety checks, particularly for aging properties.
He highlighted the need for shop owners to engage qualified professionals for internal wiring inspections to avoid potential fire risks.
“We have seen fire incidents happening here and in other cities, and prevention is crucial.
“Property owners must take the initiative to ensure their buildings are safe by engaging registered professionals for wiring inspections instead of opting for cheaper, unqualified alternatives,” he said.
SEB will conduct free inspections of the main electrical wiring outside the shophouses, while owners are responsible for hiring certified electricians for internal checks. A list of qualified contractors is available on SEB’s website for reference.
He added, while the government can provide support, it is ultimately the shop owners’ responsibility to maintain their properties. He urged them to set aside a small portion of their rental income for regular maintenance to prevent costly damages and potential loss of lives.
“The shophouses in Padungan are over 100 years old and have heritage value. Maintaining them is not just about preserving history, but also about ensuring the safety of occupants and businesses,” he added.
Wee also reminded the public that proper procedures must be followed for building extensions, including submitting plans to the council to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Meanwhile, SEB vice president for Distribution, Choo Min Chong said the company follows a maintenance cycle of three to five years to inspect electrical infrastructure and detect potential hazards such as loose connections or overloading that could lead to fires.
The campaign will initially focus on Padungan and gradually extend to other areas with aging infrastructure. Shop owners are encouraged to schedule inspections and carry out maintenance checks at least once every ten years to uphold wiring integrity.
“For older buildings, timely inspections are crucial. Electrical issues can escalate over time if not addressed, leading to serious consequences,” Cho said.
