The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) revealed that 18,000 buildings in Kuala Lumpur may be at risk of fires as they have not been issued with Fire Certificates (FCs).
In fact, only 739 “designated premises” have FCs, while 321 applications have yet to be approved by the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, reported The Edge.
“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.
Under the Fire Services Acts, commercial buildings like hotels, factories and shopping malls, which are categorised as high risk “designated premises”, must undergo an annual fire audit in addition to active and passive fire safety features, before the owners of such buildings are issued with a FC by the Fire Rescue Department.
PAM noted that more attention should be given to older buildings as fire-fighting equipment may become inoperable over time. PAM also cautioned owners of unauthorised alterations or renovations on their properties that may conceal fire alarms and detectors as well as obstruct fire escapes.
“With the above statement, it is hoped that readers will better understand the fire safety provisions in high-rise residential buildings in Malaysia,” it added.
“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.”
Among developments rising in Kuala Lumpur are:
Image sourced from The Star
Radin Ghazali, Content Writer at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email radin@propertyguru.com.my
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