Checking out the exit options: Visitors looking at a fire plan at a hospital in this file photo.
PETALING JAYA: After multiple incidents of hospital fires in the past, experts say regular fire audits are necessary to ensure safety.
Former deputy health minister Datuk Dr Lee Boon Chye said fire audits should be an “ongoing process”.
He said a national fire audit was conducted following the fires at Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Baru in 2016.
“Following the audit, there was a special allocation to upgrade the hospitals to ensure safety, especially the wiring or electrical components. Hence, maintenance is an ongoing process and should be in the budget allocation every year,” he said when contacted.
Retired Health Ministry official Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said fire safety at hospitals is non-negotiable, as it protects lives, infrastructure, and ensures uninterrupted healthcare services.
“Furthermore, the occupants of hospitals are considered a high risk group. Safeguarding patients, staff and assets is very important,” he said.
“A regular fire audit is a proactive and life-saving practice that ensures hospitals remain safe and are prepared for emergencies. Ignoring it risks patients’ lives, legal consequences and operational collapse.”
He also spoke of the need to refurbish and upgrade old hospitals.
“This is essential for several reasons, including improving patient care, meeting modern standards, and ensuring operational efficiency,” he added.
Independent health advocate Dr Sean Thum said fire safety is not just about compliance to rules but is also a critical component for quality care and workplace safety.
“If the workplace is not safe, then people are risking their safety. The Health Ministry must take proactive measures to uphold its duty of care and protect lives within our health system,” he said.
“While it is commendable that the ministry has initiated upgrade works for older hospitals, more must be done to ensure the safety of healthcare staff and patients,” he added.
Malaysian Federation for Occupational Safety and Health chairman Dr Abu Hasan Samad said the ministry’s “age” criterion in determining the facilities to be upgraded first is potentially ineffective.
“The fire risk faced by a hospital may not necessarily be linked to just its age. An old hospital may not have high fire risk if it is well-maintained and the management is competent.”
He suggested that the ministry appoint an independent third party to audit all public healthcare facilities to determine the ones most in need of an upgrade.
“Using this audit report, upgrades should begin from facilities facing the highest fire risk regardless of its age and eventually be given to those at the least risk,” he said.
Abu Hasan said there should be a focus on preventive measures such as improved electrical wiring safety, gas supply, and chemical storage.
“Upgrades should also focus on pre-emptive measures such as improved smoke or chemical detectors that are more reliable and increasing the number of them around key parts of the facility.
“Informative and easy to understand evacuation plans should also be clearly visible at as many parts of the facility as possible to keep patients and staff well- informed of the nearest escape routes in case of a fire,” he added.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said upgrades should prioritise facilities in rural areas as they usually serve the most vulnerable communities.
“Many of these facilities are not only ageing but are also operating under severe capacity constraints, outdated infrastructure and inadequate safety standards.
“Improved fire safety systems, proper ventilation, and reliable electrical wiring are basic necessities that must be ensured at these facilities.”
