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.
