By Joseph Wong

The recent viral images of the fire, smoke and falling debris at a property in Genting Resort underscore the critical importance of fire safety and preparedness in our buildings and homes. Kudos to the swift response by the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department and internal fire response units at Resorts World Genting, who safely evacuated staff and occupants, contained the fire and prevented loss of lives and further damage. 

While investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the fire, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to maintain all fire safety features in good working order, said Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Adrianta Aziz in a press statement. 

In Malaysia, all buildings must comply with fire safety provisions under the Uniform Building Bylaws (Act 133 - Streets, Drainage, and Building Act 1974). These regulations cover several key areas:

• Design: Selection of materials, finishes and installations as well as compliant compartment designs to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Detection: Installation of smoke and fire alarms, break-glass units, PA systems and fire control panels.
• Evacuation: Ensuring adequate escape routes, unobstructed corridors and staircases, operable fire-rated doors and shutters, emergency lights and directional arrows.
• Extinguishment: Availability of extinguishers, hose reels, fire tanks, pumps, sprinklers, hydrants and fire engine access.
• Maintenance, Repairs and Replacements: Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM), yearly inspections and certification for designated buildings.

Certain buildings, especially those with high occupancy and utilisation, are designated by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia as having high fire safety risks. This includes commercial, industrial, private and government buildings such as offices, hospitals, malls, hotels, hostels, schools, institutions and public buildings, which require yearly inspections and fire certification (FC). However, residential dwellings are generally exempt.

In fact, residential buildings lack the water sprinkler system that is present in commercial, industrial and government buildings. When fires break out in buildings with sprinkler systems, the sprinklers operate 91% of the time. In these cases, the sprinklers are effective at putting out the blaze 96% of the time. This amounts to a total success rate of 87%, according to a fire and safety provider.

In cases where the sprinkler operation failed, nearly two-thirds were because the system was shut off during an inspection and never turned back on. Other leading causes of sprinkler failure include manual intervention (17%), lack of maintenance (6%) and inappropriate system type for the application (5%). Only 7% of sprinkler failures are caused by damaged components.

While there are talks about whether to implement such fire protection methods for residential properties, no solid action has yet been taken. Building owners play a crucial role in maintaining both passive and active fire safety provisions to ensure they are in good working condition, regardless of risk designation. 

Unlike other mechanical and electrical installations, fire safety equipment often remains unused, leading to neglect. Fire safety equipment must always be ready to function as intended. Regular fire drills, engagement with local fire departments, designated floor fire marshals, evacuation plans, and familiarisation with fire safety alarms are essential steps in preparedness.

Continuous improvement and vigilance

Public buildings with high occupant turnover should regularly review their emergency evacuation plans, ensuring they are effective and up-to-date, said Adrianta. 

Fire safety signage should be prominently displayed, indicating fire exits, extinguishers and assembly points, he said, adding that owners of ageing buildings should engage qualified inspectors for yearly fire safety audits and condition reports. Refurbished buildings may require updates to ensure compliance with current fire safety regulations.

The Practice Committee’s Fire Safety Working Group under PAM regularly collaborates with the Institute of Engineers (IEM), the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to update fire safety regulations and best practices. This ensures architects and engineers are fully informed on designing passive and active fire safety provisions.

A call for improved maintenance

“Truth be told, it is often said our buildings have 5-star installations with 3-star maintenance. This culture must change. Lest we forget the tragic death of the occupants in Subang Jaya where the family was trapped and succumbed to smoke and fire due to the security grilles; or the tragic Tahfiz School / Hostel fire several years ago that took the lives of students and teachers,” he said.

Such tragedies are a reminder that fire prevention is better than cure and priority must be given to the maintenance of fire safety to prevent future loss of lives.

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