MP Sun Xueling Drops a Hokkien Fire‑Safety Gem on Facebook
Picture this: a two‑minute video, no fancy gear, just a handheld camera and one of Singapore’s very own firefighters doubling as a camera operator and graphics wizard. The result? A charming, dialect‑rich fire‑safety tutorial that’s already raking in roughly 27,000 views and 285 shares.
Why “Hokkien” Matters
MP Sun Xueling chose to speak in fluent Hokkien – a tongue that’s still widely understood, especially during the food‑fueled Chinese New Year period. “I didn’t want to leave the elderly out,” she told The Straits Times. “If I used only English or Mandarin, the very people who’re cooking the most would miss out.”
Her video delivers three bite‑size tips:
- Keep a safe distance from the stove while cooking.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Make sure there are no smoldering embers before throwing away lit items.
DIY Production – No Hollywood Budget Required
Filming took place at a resident’s home in Punggol. The crew was minimal: Sun, a SCDF administrative staff member who co‑appears on camera, and a firefighter who handled both shooting and editing. “The firefighter could do the recording and the motion graphics,” Sun recalled.
Because the team had no professional microphones, they improvised by using a mobile phone and an earpiece. That allowed the Hokkien narration to cut through the ambient kitchen noise, even when cooking sounds were louder than the voice.
Timing: Fire Safety Meets Flood‑Season
With recent home fires in Punggol and Pasir Ris, and the Chinese New Year celebrations looming, Sun stepped into the role of an on‑site safety ambassador. “My own grandmother’s shirt once caught fire while cooking,” she said. “It’s real danger.”
The MP’s earlier viral video on infant choking and cardiac arrest had already hit 75,000 views, showing that the community loves her candid, straightforward approach.
So… Where’s the Video?
Check the Facebook link below (the video itself is not embedded here). Good luck keeping the flames in check!
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/helloxueling/videos/1164067730440233/
Why It Matters
Residential fires in Singapore were a staggering 2,008 during the first ten months of 2018 – most caused by unattended cooking or fires in rubbish chutes. Sun Xueling tackles it head‑on with simple, jargon‑free advice aimed right at the groups most at risk.
And at the end of the day? She wants the video to reach even those who aren’t tech‑savvy: “My followers are mostly young, so I ask them to show the video to their parents and grandparents.” Nice strategy.
With its mix of humour, real‑talk, and Hokkien charm, MP Sun’s fire‑safety video proves that even a DIY clip can become a viral sensation – and more importantly, a life‑saver.
