MESSAGE BY DATO’ HAMZAH BIN ABU BAKAR DIRECTOR GENERAL, FIRE & RESCUE DEPARTMENT OF MALAYSIA A very warm welcome and ‘Selamat Datang’ to all exhibitors, participants and delegates to the 7th FIREC Expo & Conference – The International Fire Protection and Rescue Expo & Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 15-18 June 2010. As our country continues to develop, we will experience increasing urbanisation as more people moved to cities to seek employment and opportunities. As available land in city areas is limited, developers are building more high-rise buildings to house people and offices. While the Fire and Rescue Department has developed adequate capabilities in dealing with any uncertainties, fire industry professional, architects and building consultants need to be updated on the latest regulations and advances in fire prevention, detection and fire fighting technology so as to ensure buildings are sufficiently protected. At the same time, industrialisation will continue to gather pace as our nation move towards being a developed economy by 2020. The number of industrial zones has increased to cater to factories, warehouses and other facilities. Many of these industries deal with highly flammable and hazardous products which can cause serious damage to lives and the environment. In response to this, the Department has set up the Hazmat team to combat any accidents that may arise. However, facility managers need to have in place effective fire protection systems and ensure that fire exercises are carried out on a regular basis. As the old saying goes, ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’. I am pleased that FIREC 2010 Expo & Conference will provide an opportunity for the industry to meet, exchange experience, update on technology and examine ways to upgrade fire safety practices, standards and fire safety awareness in our country. I hope that your attendance will be a productive and rewarding one. Dato’ Hamzah bin Abu Bakar Director General Fire & Rescue Department of Malaysia Click here for more