BUKIT MERTAJAM: Penang has become the first state in Malaysia to require safety videos by the Fire and Rescue Department to be screened as part of the hotel guest check-in process.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the safety videos will be shown during check-in and in hotel rooms and added that they are a timely preventive measure for the safety and well-being of all guests.
He said the state government is committed to making Penang a safe and attractive destination for tourists, further strengthening its position as a leading international tourism hub,
"Last year, Penang welcomed 8.2 million visitors, and while this growth is welcome, it also brings new challenges, particularly regarding water safety and hotel accommodations.
"The introduction of safety videos will reinforce Penang’s reputation as a secure and appealing destination,” he said after launching the Hotel Guest Fire Safety Awareness Programme here on Monday (Sept 29).
Also present were Penang JBPM director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah and deputy state police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin.
The safety videos focus on fire safety and water rescue protocols, educating hotel guests on essential safety procedures.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Shoki highlighted that in the last five years, drowning incidents have remained a top emergency call, especially at beaches and hotel pools.
Despite increased awareness, some tourists still neglect safety measures, which is why the videos will be shown during check-in and in rooms to proactively address this risk.
"This is a proactive step that puts safety first and helps prevent incidents. Penang is the first state in Malaysia to implement such a preventive measure,” he said.
He added that Penang will lead the way by incorporating these safety videos into hotel safety standard operating procedures across the state.
The short-term plan includes working with hotel operators to ensure the consistent display of the video and training hotel staff to provide additional explanations if necessary.
"This initiative showcases Penang’s leadership in tourism safety and could be expanded to other states, establishing Penang as a national model for safe tourism,” Mohamad Shoki said.
Long-term plans also include developing a mobile app for water safety, with standardised procedures for hotels across Penang. - Bernama
