THE government is working to provide adequate low-cost homes to overcome the problem of squatters in the capital, said Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.

He said efforts were being made to reduce and eventually eradicate the squatter problem in Kuala Lumpur.

‘’Not by chasing them off but more importantly, (by finding) a solution to the housing problem as a whole,’’ he said.

‘’When there are no squatters, there will also not be non-compliance with safety regulations, in terms of safety equipment and arrangements.

On the other hand, he said, the provision of low-cost homes in designs and with facilities that are compliant with council regulations will ensure safety.

Khalid was speaking at the launch of the  Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department’s fire safety awareness campaign at Sentul Boulevard in the city today.

He said the ministry would cooperate with the city firemen to organise awareness campaigns at the public housing estates.

‘’We encourage such programmes in these areas for the fire and rescue personnel to reach out to and educate the resident communities on safety issues. We will arrange and provide the budget for the programmes.”

Among other activities, the campaign teaches the housewife how to respond to a fire, including how to use a  a fire extinguisher.
 
As of March, the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department has recorded 487 cases of fire . – Bernama, April 21, 2019.