Latest news with #FireServicesAct1988
The Star
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Only 62.2% of designated premises have valid Fire Certs, says Bomba
IPOH: Only 62.2% of designated premises nationwide currently possess a valid Fire Certificate (FC), says Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman. The Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operations) said that that out of 9,321 such premises nationwide, only 5,801 have valid FCs. He added that 8,595 of the designated premises were private while 726 were government premises. 'This shows that there are still many premises that need to take action. We're now in June, so we have another six months to ensure that premises obtain valid FCs,' he said during a press conference after officiating the Fire Safety Organisation (OKK) Seminar here Wednesday (June 4). He added that various efforts have been made to improve enforcement, including the introduction of the ePremis platform and digitalisation efforts to streamline inspections and monitoring. 'We are clear about our focus and the categories of premises that require more thorough inspections,' he said, adding that enforcement is carried out in accordance with the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341), which governs fire safety regulations in Malaysia. 'This Act outlines the responsibilities of premises and buildings to comply with fire safety regulations, including the requirement to obtain a FC to ensure the premises are safe from fire risks,' he added. In Perak, he said that 75.9% of designated premises have already obtained valid FCs. "Of the 349 such premises, 265 are certified, while the remainder are in the process of applying, undergoing inspection, or have been issued notices," he said. Of the total premises in the state, 330 are privately owned and 19 are government buildings. 'Last year, only 244 premises obtained FCs. This year, the number is higher,' he added. On a separate matter, Ahmad Irzam said the department is fully prepared to face the current hot and dry weather conditions expected to continue until early next month. 'All equipment and personnel are ready. We're prepared to respond to any incidents related to the dry season, including forest and bush fires, which are not technically complex for us to handle,' he said. He also said that the department has the support of volunteer firefighter associations across Malaysia who are prepared to mobilise when needed. 'We are always ready, especially since we have anticipated this weather pattern,' he said.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Five PPRs, 147 flats to undergo fire checks after blaze kills boy
MELAKA: The Fire and Rescue Department will conduct full-scale enforcement operations to strengthen fire safety systems across all People's Housing Projects (PPRs) and flats in the state after a fire claimed the life of a four-year-old boy at PPR Krubong here. Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director, Assistant Fire Commissioner Mohd Zaidi Ma'at, said the inspections would identify and eliminate fire hazards at the premises, including faulty fire safety equipment such as hydrants, hose reels and extinguishers, whether due to lack of maintenance or acts of vandalism. "I have instructed officers to carry out thorough inspections at all apartment blocks in Melaka to ensure that firefighting equipment is in good condition and fully operational during emergencies," said Zaidi. "We have identified five PPRs and 147 apartment buildings to be included in the operation. "The inspections will begin this week, and a comprehensive report will be compiled for all premises involved," he said at a press conference after officiating the JBPM Melaka 2025 Fire Organisation Seminar at a resort here yesterday," he added. The event was officiated by Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management senior deputy executive councillor, Datuk Zulkiflee Mohd Zin. Also present was Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (development), Othman Abdullah. Mohd Zaidi said legal action could be taken under Section 8 of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) for the removal of fire hazards if it was found that residents had vandalised firefighting systems or equipment at PPRs or flats. "I urge Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and building management to set up community fire brigades or safety organisations to carry out preliminary inspections of fire safety systems at their premises," he said.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Five PPRs, 147 flats in Melaka to undergo fire checks
MELAKA: The Fire and Rescue Department will conduct full-scale enforcement operations to strengthen fire safety systems across all People's Housing Projects (PPRs) and flats in the state. Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director, Assistant Fire Commissioner Mohd Zaidi Ma'at, said the inspections would identify and eliminate fire hazards at the premises, including faulty fire safety equipment such as hydrants, hose reels and extinguishers, whether due to lack of maintenance or acts of vandalism. Zaidi said the initiative followed a recent fire incident at PPR Krubong which claimed the life of a four-year-old boy. "I have instructed officers to carry out thorough inspections at all apartment blocks in Melaka to ensure that firefighting equipment is in good condition and fully operational during emergencies. "We have identified five PPRs and 147 apartment buildings to be included in the operation. "The inspections will begin this week, and a comprehensive report will be compiled for all premises involved," he said at a press conference after officiating the JBPM Melaka 2025 Fire Organisation Seminar at a resort here yesterday. The event was officiated by Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management senior deputy executive councillor, Datuk Zulkiflee Mohd Zin. Also present was Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (development), Othman Abdullah. Mohd Zaidi said legal action could be taken under Section 8 of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) for the removal of fire hazards if it was found that residents had vandalised firefighting systems or equipment at PPRs or flats. "I urge Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and building management to set up community fire brigades or safety organisations to carry out preliminary inspections of fire safety systems at their premises," he said.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Clear guidelines, efficient registration key to better protection'
PETALING JAYA: Clear guidelines and efficient registration processes are crucial to ensure all fire safety professionals can adhere to regulations under the amended Fire Services Act 1988, say interest groups. Acknowledging the amendments as a positive step towards improving the national fire safety ecosystem, these groups are calling for a transparent and marketdriven rollout to avoid potential monopolies. Malaysian Fire Protection Association president Tee Siew Chong said the amendments are a positive step in ensuring competency, credibility and quality assurance in the industry. 'It establishes a structured and accountable fire safety ecosystem and ensures public safety by better regulating fire protection services,' Tee said. However, the one-year transition period for registration could prove to be challenging for existing service providers, he said. 'We hope for a fair and practical rollout. Clear guidelines and smooth enforcement are needed. 'Compliance costs and bureaucratic processes should be manageable, especially for smaller firms,' he said, urging adequate regulatory support and enforcement mechanisms. Tee also urged continuous efforts towards improving fire safety in Malaysia. 'We want a fire safety culture that prioritises prevention, preparedness and innovation,' he said. A seasoned industry player, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, called for clear and detailed guidelines on the registration process. 'There must be sufficient service providers registered to avoid any monopoly. 'The process must be transparent. Any qualified professionals should be allowed to register. 'We support this move to enhance the fire safety ecosystem but there must be proper implementation. We don't want this to end just on paper,' he said. Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia president Datuk Ho Hon Sang said a market-driven implementation must be carried out to avoid a monopoly. He also acknowledged that the amendments help uphold quality standards. To prevent a single product or company from monopolising the market, Ho said a sufficient number of fire safety-related professionals and service providers must be registered once the amendments come into effect. 'There must also be measures to encourage more registrations by related companies and service providers,' he said. Ho added that registration criteria must not be overly restrictive, which could then lead to a small number of registrations. 'This could result in delays and a rush to meet market demand. 'Overly specific requirements may also impede innovation, which is necessary to ensure that the industry remains competitive and futureproof,' Ho said, adding that the amendment's impact on the housing industry would only be clearer a few months after its implementation. Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health chairman Dr Abu Hasan Samad said the amendments were relevant and timely given the rapid development of Malaysian industries and properties. He said the amendments were similar to the Medical Act 1971, which governed doctors, as well as the Medical Device Act that regulates medical equipment. 'The Fire and Rescue Department is moving in the right direction here by regulating these aspects, enhancing the impact of the country's fire safety blanket,' he said. He said the one-year grace period offered for service providers to register with the Fire and Rescue is also sufficient. 'There should be no compromise when it comes to the safety and health of people,' he added.
The Star
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Stricter fire safety rules soon
PETALING JAYA: Fire safety efforts are poised to be strengthened, with the Fire and Rescue Department granted greater regulatory oversight in the field. This comes following amendments to the Fire Services Act 1988, with key provisions including the mandatory registration of fire safety training services and instructors. According to Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad (pic), this will ensure that the training provided will be of the highest quality alongside improving the efficiency and preparedness of fire and rescue services. Fire and Rescue Department director general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad 'Training providers must ensure that their services adhere to set criteria. 'The department is open to individuals and companies interested in working together with us to enhance fire technical knowledge among industry players,' he said in a recent interview. There are currently 13 companies that provide this service nationwide. 'We hope these companies will register themselves with the department once it comes into force,' he added. Following the amendments, unregistered training providers or instructors found providing their services can be liable to a fine not exceeding RM100,000 for offences under Section 36E(2), upon conviction. There will also be improved regulations on the registration of firefighting equipment and its maintenance, following amendments to the Act. This refers to facilities such as fire resistant doors, smoke and heat detectors, hose reels, sprinkler systems, fire alarm panels, fire extinguishers and exit signs. 'Regulating this aspect is extremely important as it ensures that the items can perform its intended functions efficiently during fires, upholding the safety of the premise and its inhabitants,' Nor Hisham said. Those found selling or installing unregistered firefighting equipment can be issued a fine not exceeding RM500,000, a jail term not exceeding five years, or both, if found guilty. Under the Act, it will also be compulsory for fire safety consultants, fire safety consulting firms, competent persons and fire safety contractors to register with the department. Mandatory registration is currently needed for these fields through an order from the fire department director-general, but it is now part of the Fire Services Act following the amendments. According to department records, there are currently 20 safety consultants, nine fire safety consultant firms, 742 competent technicians and 667 fire extinguisher service contractors registered as of 2024. A total of 1,468 firefighting equipment accreditation certificates have also been registered and issued. Existing service providers will have to register with the department within a year from when the law comes into effect. Under Section 36D(2), any unregistered competent persons or fire safety contractors found delivering related services can be issued a fine not exceeding RM50,000, or face a jail term not exceeding three years, or both, if convicted. Unregistered fire safety consultants and fire safety consulting firms are also not authorised to provide fire risk analysis reports to their clients or premise owners, which is a mandatory requirement under existing regulations. 'The registration process and criteria will be comprehensively explained through a set of detailed guidelines and regulations later,' Nor Hisham added. Parliament passed the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on March 5, with the Dewan Negara subsequently passing it March 25. On another matter, Nor Hisham said the department will now have direct oversight over voluntary fire brigades. 'Once it comes into force, they will register directly with the department. 'This places voluntary fire brigades completely under the department's oversight,' he said, adding that this will enable more streamlined management of the brigades. Under current rules, these brigades will have to first register with the Registrar of Societies.
