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.
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“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.
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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.
