Johor building owners urged to observe fire safety

JOHOR BARU (Jan 15): The Johor Fire and Rescue Department inspected over 1,400 buildings and premises last year as part of its effort to eliminate fire hazards in public areas, the Star reported today.

Its director Datuk Yahaya Madis told the Star that inspections were carried out at major public areas throughout the state including shopping malls and other premises as well.

“Last year, the department carried out spot checks at 1,437 buildings compared with 1,512 in 2018 where our main task was to check that the fire alarm systems and fire hydrants were in working order," he said in a press conference after attending the department monthly assembly held at its headquarters here today.

“From our inspection, we handed out 141 notices in 2019 compared with 267 in 2018 to the building owners for failing to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the department when it comes to fire safety,” he added.

Yahya believes the reduction in notices indicates an increase in awareness among building owners on the importance of fire safety to the public but stressed that a compound of RM100 per offence would be meted out to errant building owners who ignored the notices.

According to the Star the department has also taken steps to ensure public safety in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations such as freezing leave for its personnel during the festive season.

“We have 1,270 officers and personnel throughout Johor where only 20% of them would be given off during Chinese New Year celebrations while the rest would be on standby,” Yahya said.

He also said that the department would be involved in Ops Selamat with other enforcement agencies especially along major highways and roads.