Missing plan part of reason Komtar has no FC

GEORGETOWN: Certain issues have resulted in the building failing to obtain the Fire Certification (FC) from the Fire and Rescue Department, said Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) managing body, PDC Setia Urus Sdn Bhd (PDCSU).

PDCSU executive Muhammad Arul Moghan said they included the age of the building and part of its structural plan, which could not be found, resulting in problems in issuing the building with an FC.

He, however, said the management had always worked together with the state Fire and Rescue Department to ensure Komtar was well-equipped with the necessary system and measures to prevent fires or accidents.

“This is to prevent any untoward incidents in case of fires or accidents in Komtar.

“The system is connected to the state Fire and Rescue Department.

“This (system preventive measures) is prepared based on advice by the department, which understands Komtar’s situation. This is because part of the building plan used to obtain the FC is nowhere to be found.

“The department has been told about this and has proposed for steps to be taken, including the modification work for the existing fire system,” he said recently.

Checks by the New Straits Times Press found that 27 premises of different types in Penang have failed to obtain FCs from state Fire and Rescue Department.

Muhammad Arul said the fire suppression system had already been upgraded without difficulty, and was connected directly to the PDCSU management office and the state Fire and Rescue Department.

“We have been doing the system upgrade work since 2016 and are in the midst of fulfilling all the proposals by the state Fire and Rescue Department to ensure Komtar is safe.

“The Fire and Rescue Department has also conducted annual checks on Komtar. As of now, many of their recommendations had been fulfilled and implemented.

“I am confident that the new system used in Komtar will minimise the risks.

“We are confident of handling any situation and the people are advised not to panic.”

When asked about the additional structures at the upper part of Komtar, he said the fire suppression system there was under the purview of the top management and was in line with the technology used by PDCSU to ensure the safety of the building.

This (system preventive measures) is prepared based on advice by the department, which understands Komtar’s situation