KUCHING: Residents of a nine-storey apartment in Kuching are facing serious safety concerns after the building’s emergency alarm system malfunctioned, raising questions about the preparedness of high-rise residences in the state.
The issue came to light when the emergency bells in the apartment rang continuously from 11.00 pm to 9.00 am due to a system fault. The sound was only clearly audible on the lower floors, leaving residents on higher levels unaware of the alarm. In addition, stairwell lights were reported to be non-functional, further heightening the risk in case of a real emergency.
Pertubuhan Pengguna Sarawak (PPS) expressed deep concern over the incident. PPS President, Dr Wynson Ong, lodged a formal complaint with the apartment management and the Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station following the malfunction. According to the inspection by fire authorities, the alarm system shows significant weaknesses, with audible alerts failing beyond the sixth floor. Authorities are now obtaining full floor plans from the developer for further assessment and action.
To improve safety standards, the fire department emphasized several critical measures. Emergency alarms must be installed on every floor, ensuring that all residents can hear alerts. Each floor should have an accessible “break the glass” emergency button, and a clearly marked assembly point is essential for orderly evacuation.
A brief survey of residents from the ground to the top floor revealed that most were unaware of the alarm during the incident, underlining the potential dangers of the current setup. PPS reiterated that safety is a fundamental right of every occupant and warned developers that safety systems are not merely technical requirements—they are lifesaving measures.
PPS also urged residents to regularly check their floor’s emergency alarms and report any faults immediately to management or authorities. Complaints regarding unaddressed safety issues can be directed to PPS at 017-7109299.
With Sarawak’s rapid urban development and the rise of high-rise apartments, experts stress that preventive actions must be taken promptly to safeguard lives before tragedy strikes.
