Buildings under NRE need periodic electric circuit checks

KUALA LUMPUR: All agencies under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (NRE) have been urged to do periodic checks on the electrical circuit connection of its buildings that are 20 years old.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this initiative was to ensure that the buildings were conducive to its use and function.

"In line with advancement in information technology, the use of electricity which may have differed, needs to be updated and reviewed.

"The authorities involved will also do inspection on the old buildings of all NRE agencies, professionally viewing them to avoid any mishaps from reoccurring," he told reporters here after visiting the ICT room of the Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department that was involved in a fire.

Last Friday, a fire occurred at about 10am, causing a room that was filled with the department's information technology equipment, on the third floor, to be completely destroyed, with an estimated loss worth RM50 million.

He said the ministry would also conduct an official report on the incident to the Cabinet and request for financial assistance to rebuild the affected building.

"We will wait for the report from the Public Works Department before deciding on whether to construct a new building or renovate on an available building," he said, adding that all decisions made required prior approval from the government. — Bernama