Adopt by-laws on fire safety, Govt urges states
KUALA SELANGOR: The Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry has called on states that have yet to adopt the fire safety by-laws that were passed five years ago to do so for the benefit and safety of the people.
Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said that he brought up the issue for discussion recently at the ministry level following the London Grenfell Tower fire tragedy two weeks ago which claimed many lives.
“Looking at the horrible incident and many other fires that have claimed lives in Malaysia, it is of utmost importance for us to have comprehensive fire safety and preventative measures in place.
“Whenever I go down to the field and visit, it is worrying when I see many residential places do not have proper fire safety equipment.
“I hope states that have not adopted the by-laws will do so and implement them for the benefit and safety of the people,” Noh said after presenting Hari Raya contributions to children, orphans and the underprivileged at the Tanjong Karang parliamentary constituency Raya open house here yesterday.
In an exclusive, The Star reported that only Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu and Penang had gazetted the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (Amendment 2012) (UBBL) to better protect those living in both high-rise and low-rise homes in the country.
Sarawak has its own building ordinance.
Under the by-laws, all residential buildings above 30m or 10 storeys built after 2012 in the four states must have fire detectors.
Low-rise homes below 18m built after 2012 must also be equipped with a fire extinguisher.
New house buyers also have the right to ask their developers for a fire extinguisher in states that have adopted the by-laws.
Noh, who is the Tanjong Karang MP and Selangor Barisan Nasional chairman, said that the Fire and Rescue Services Department would soon issue official letters to the other states to remind and advise them.