18,000 buildings in KL could be at risk of fires

PETALING JAYA (June 21): In view of the recent tragic Grenfell Tower fire in North Kensington in London, the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) has urged building owners in Malaysia to inspect their buildings’ fire safety features.

For commercial buildings such as shopping malls, hotels and factories which are defined as high risk “designated premises” under the Fire Services Act, owners are required to undergo an annual fire audit in addition to passive and active fire safety features, before they are issued with a Fire Certificate (FC) by the Fire and Rescue Department, according to PAM in a press release today.

However, the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department revealed recently that only 739 “Designated Premises” have been issued with FCs while 321 applications were still pending.

According to PAM, the department had also clarified that as many as 18,000 buildings have been identified as potentially requiring FCs.

“We have to stress that building owners conduct regular inspection and maintenance of fire safety features to be in good working order including familiarisation exercises for evacuation procedures and escape routes,” said PAM, adding that older buildings will usually require more attention as fire-fighting equipment becomes dilapidated and inoperable over time.

Building owners must also be wary of unathorised renovations or alterations carried out in their properties that may obstruct fire escapes or conceal fire alarms and detectors.

“With the above statement, it is hoped that readers will better understand the fire safety provisions in high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia.

“As architects, it is always a special concern to us when lives are lost through building failures like this. We do not need to be reminded of our own Highland Towers or the recent fire incident at Hospital Sultanah Aminah JB,”said PAM.