Penang mulls fire safety improvements for old, heritage buildings

GEORGE TOWN (June 3): Penang will review possible improvement measures, including strengthening compliance with fire safety requirements for old and heritage buildings, following the fire at the Odeon building on Jalan Penang here, which claimed the life of a Myanmar construction worker last Saturday.

State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the matter would be examined based on the findings of investigations by the relevant authorities, as well as feedback from technical agencies.

“The state government views the fire incident seriously, and among the areas that could be given attention are strengthening compliance with fire safety requirements, monitoring high-risk buildings, regulating renovation works, and increasing awareness among building owners and premises operators.

“Any proposed improvements will be studied comprehensively, taking into account safety considerations, heritage preservation and existing legal requirements,” he told Bernama.

H’ng said Penang’s two local authorities — the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) — have consistently prioritised the safety of old and heritage buildings through close cooperation with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and other relevant technical agencies.

H’ng said existing measures include monitoring building usage, regulating renovation works, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and coordinating with technical agencies to strengthen fire safety standards.

Building owners and premises operators are also encouraged to maintain fire safety systems, including emergency exits, fire extinguishers, alarm systems and electrical wiring.

He said both the MBSP and MBPP conduct regular inspections and monitoring of buildings, renovation projects and heritage properties to ensure compliance with relevant laws and safety requirements, while also keeping track of dilapidated and abandoned buildings.

“To ensure a higher level of compliance among building owners, MBPP has previously taken the initiative to facilitate the application process for existing shophouses and heritage buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town through the implementation of more efficient procedures.

“The initiative allows building owners to submit Building Plan applications for related works without having to undergo the Planning Permission process, subject to the stipulated conditions and criteria,” he said.

Following the Odeon fire on Saturday, H’ng said MBPP would review investigation findings and consider measures to strengthen existing procedures, guidelines and safety requirements.

“In addition, MBPP will hold further discussions with members of the SPEAD (Surveyors, Planners, Engineers, Architects and Developers) Committee as well as relevant technical agencies to review suitable improvement proposals, particularly those related to the safety of old and heritage buildings,” he said.

He added that the state government continues to coordinate with local authorities and relevant agencies on monitoring and follow-up actions, with enforcement measures, inspections and repair directives to be undertaken where necessary.

In the incident last Saturday, a 56-year-old Myanmar construction worker, Mohamad Boshi Sabi Ullah, died from smoke inhalation after becoming trapped in a fire at an entertainment centre premises in the Odeon building on Jalan Penang. The premises was undergoing renovation works to be converted into a restaurant.

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