KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Act 341) was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 5) through a voice vote.
The Bill aims to enhance prevention and rescue operations conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that the amendments would refine outdated provisions to ensure Act 341 remains relevant.
"Among the amendments is the imposition of responsibility on premise owners or managers to establish a fire safety organisation, thereby strengthening preventive measures," said Nga.
The Bill provides necessary provisions to enable JBPM to function effectively and efficiently in protecting lives and property from fire risks, emergencies, and other related purposes.
Act 341 has been amended three times, the last being seven years ago in 2018, to enhance JBPM's firefighting, rescue, and disaster recovery services.
The Bill, which also seeks to regulate the registration of voluntary fire brigades (PBS), was tabled by Nga for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 25.
The amendments included provisions for the registration of fire safety consultants, fire safety consulting firms, competent individuals, fire safety contractors, training providers, instructors, and fire-fighting equipment or fire safety installations.
Additionally, the Bill introduces a new Section 50A into Act 341, criminalising impersonation of fire officers, auxiliary fire officers, and voluntary fire officers.
Under this provision, anyone found guilty of falsely representing themselves as a fire officer, auxiliary fire officer, or voluntary fire officer—or unlawfully using official names, logos, or insignias—shall face a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.
