KUALA LUMPUR: A new Bill which requires premises owners or managers to establish a fire safety organisation to strengthen preventive measures has been passed in Parliament.
The Fire Services (Amendment) Bill 2025 (Act 341) was passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday via a voice vote.
It aims to strengthen the prevention and rescue operations conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic) said the amendments would also refine outdated provisions to ensure Act 341 remains relevant.
“Among the amendments is the imposition of responsibility on premises owners or managers to establish a fire safety organisation, thereby strengthening preventive measures,” said Nga.
The Bill provides the 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 had been amended three times – the last being 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 also 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 seeks to introduce a new Section 50A into Act 341, which criminalises impersonation of fire officers, auxiliary fire officers and voluntary fire officers.
Under this provision, any individual 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.
