KUCHING: Fire safety certification, required under the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341), serves as an essential measure to enhance fire prevention and ensure safety across government and private premises in Sarawak while also promoting awareness among building owners and occupants.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the certification is mandatory for all premises under the act.
“It ensures that those responsible for these buildings comply with safety laws while equipping themselves with the necessary knowledge to prevent and manage fire hazards,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating the Fire Safety Organisation Seminar for Designated Premises 2024 held by the Sarawak State Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM Sarawak) at a leading hotel here on Monday.
According to Datuk Michael, Sarawak has 493 premises requiring fire safety certification, of which 67 are government-owned while the remainder are private buildings.
As of now, 313 premises, or 63.5 per cent, have obtained valid certifications while the rest either lack certification or have expired documents.
“I urge all parties to take this matter seriously and apply for fire safety certification. Compliance with this requirement is vital for the safety of both individuals and property,” he stressed.
The seminar, attended by 800 participants from across Sarawak, is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and improve adherence to fire safety standards.
The Pelawan Assemblyman expressed hope that such efforts would bridge gaps in both the public and private sectors regarding fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
“With seminars like this, we aim to equip both government and private sectors with the knowledge to comply with this statutory responsibility.
“Not only do we want to ensure all identified buildings meet safety requirements, but we also want to build awareness on fire hazards, rescue techniques, and prevention measures,” he added.
Also present was JBPM Sarawak Acting Director, Tiong Ling Hii. -UKASnews
