Rantau Panjang contractor fined RM100 for misusing fire hydrant

The Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Department chief has issued a compound against a contractor for misusing a fire hydrant.

This is in relation to the local MP, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff’s move to channel water from a fire hydrant to a tanker and distribute them to her constituents during a shortage as a free water supply.

The Fire and Rescue Department’s corporate management division said the perpetrator has admitted guilt and paid the RM100 fine on May 8, thus settling the matter out-of-court.

It also warned the public not to resort to water from fire hydrants as a solution to deal with water shortages, as this could compromise firefighting operations in the event of a fire.

“If there is a need for assistance with water supply, the people are urged to apply through proper channels, namely the water authorities of the state concerned,” it said in a statement today.

It said the fine was imposed for violating Section 26 of the Fire Services Act 1988, which criminalises using fire hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting.

The same law also makes it illegal to conceal or tamper with fire hydrants.

The department also explained that under Section 23(1) of the same Act, only local water authorities may conduct work that could disrupt a fire hydrant or its water supply.

Even then, it must give at least seven days written notice to the state fire and rescue department director.

“In an emergency situation, works may be executed first and the notice must be issued as soon as possible to the state director,” it said.

Section 24, meanwhile, obliges water authorities to inform the state fire and rescue department director as soon as possible, in writing, regarding any action that would affect the water supply to fire hydrants.

“Thus, any work that affects water supply to fire hydrants must obtain approval and consent from the state director and be given in writing. This is to ensure that firefighting operations would not be affected in the event of a fire.

“Abuse of fire hydrants could lead to a shortage of water volume and pressure,” it stated.

Last month, Siti Zailah made several Facebook posts showing her overseeing a tanker being filled with water from a fire hydrant amid a drought, and distributed them to her constituents.

A report by Harakahdaily quoted her as saying that her office had provided the tankers to help villagers who faced issues obtaining clean water during the Hari Raya celebration.

However, this prompted an investigation by the Local Government Development Ministry - which has jurisdiction over the Fire and Rescue Department.

Siti Zailah had claimed she had permission from the Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue Station and Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd to source water from the fire hydrants.

However, Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department chief Zainal Madasin said there is no record of her asking permission. - Mkini