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Fire Safety Requirements for Workplaces Malaysia 2026
Updated May 2026 · 8 min read · Fire Services Act 1988 & UBBL 1984
Fire safety compliance in Malaysian workplaces is governed primarily by the Fire Services Act 1988, the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984, and relevant provisions under OSHA 1994. Non-compliance can result in closure orders, heavy fines, and criminal liability in the event of fire-related injuries or deaths.
Key Legislation
| Legislation | Scope | Enforced By |
|---|
| Fire Services Act 1988 | Fire certificates, designated premises, fire safety standards | Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat |
| UBBL 1984 (Part VII) | Building fire safety design, means of escape, fire resistance | Local authorities |
| OSHA 1994 | General duty to ensure safety including fire prevention | DOSH |
| FMA 1967 | Fire precautions in factories and machinery premises | DOSH |
Bomba Fire Certificate (FC)
A Fire Certificate from Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia is required for designated premises under Section 28 of the Fire Services Act 1988:
- Buildings exceeding 18 metres in height
- Buildings with floor area exceeding 930 square metres
- Premises used for storage of hazardous/flammable materials
- Hotels, hospitals, schools, and places of public assembly
- Shopping complexes and high-rise residential buildings
- Factories and industrial premises
The Fire Certificate confirms that:
- Fire detection and alarm systems are installed and functional
- Fire suppression systems (sprinklers, hose reels) are adequate
- Means of escape are sufficient and unobstructed
- Fire resistance of structural elements meets requirements
- Emergency lighting and signage are properly installed
- Fire extinguishers are correctly placed and maintained
Operating a designated premises without a valid Fire Certificate is an offence punishable by fine up to RM 50,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years.
Fire Extinguisher Requirements
| Fire Class | Material | Extinguisher Type | Colour Code |
|---|
| Class A | Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth) | Water, Foam, ABC Dry Powder | Red / Cream |
| Class B | Flammable liquids (petrol, oil, solvents) | Foam, CO2, ABC Dry Powder | Cream / Black |
| Class C | Flammable gases (LPG, propane) | ABC Dry Powder | Blue |
| Class D | Combustible metals (magnesium, aluminium) | Special dry powder | Blue |
| Electrical | Electrical equipment fires | CO2, ABC Dry Powder | Black / Blue |
| Class F | Cooking oils and fats | Wet Chemical | Yellow |
Placement and maintenance rules:
- Maximum travel distance to nearest extinguisher: 25 metres
- Mounted at height between 100mm (base) and 1,200mm (handle) from floor
- Minimum provision: 1 extinguisher per 200 square metres of floor area
- Visual inspection: monthly (check pressure gauge, pin, seal)
- Professional service: annually by certified fire equipment company
- Hydrostatic testing: every 5 years for water/foam; 10 years for CO2
- All extinguishers must display service tags with dates
Fire Drill Requirements
| Premises Type | Minimum Frequency | Duration Target |
|---|
| General offices | Twice per year (every 6 months) | Full evacuation within 3 minutes |
| Factories/warehouses | Twice per year | Full evacuation within 5 minutes |
| High-risk premises | Quarterly (every 3 months) | Full evacuation within 3 minutes |
| Hotels/hospitals | Quarterly | Phased evacuation per floor |
| Schools | Twice per year (each semester) | Full evacuation within 3 minutes |
Fire drill requirements:
- All employees must participate — no exemptions
- Drills should be unannounced at least once per year
- Assembly points must be clearly designated and communicated
- Head count/roll call must be conducted at assembly point
- Records must include: date, time, evacuation duration, issues identified
- Corrective actions from drill findings must be documented and closed
- Night shift workers must have separate drill arrangements
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Every workplace must have a documented Emergency Response Plan covering:
- Fire detection and alarm: How fires are detected and alarm raised
- Notification: Who calls Bomba (999) and internal notification chain
- Evacuation routes: Primary and secondary escape routes for each area
- Assembly points: Designated safe areas away from building
- Fire wardens: Trained personnel assigned to each floor/zone
- First attack: Procedures for using extinguishers on small fires
- Special needs: Procedures for evacuating disabled persons or visitors
- Utilities shutdown: Gas, electricity, and ventilation isolation procedures
- Post-incident: Re-entry procedures and incident reporting
Fire Warden Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Number | Minimum 1 per floor or zone; 1 chief fire warden per building |
| Training | Initial training + annual refresher; must cover extinguisher use, evacuation, first aid |
| Identification | High-visibility vest or armband during emergencies |
| Duties | Sweep assigned area, guide evacuation, report to chief warden, account for personnel |
| Deputies | Each warden must have a trained deputy for absence coverage |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Operating without Fire Certificate: Fine up to RM 50,000 or 5 years imprisonment
- Failure to maintain fire safety systems: Fine up to RM 50,000
- Obstructing means of escape: Fine up to RM 20,000
- Failure to conduct fire drills: Fine up to RM 50,000 under OSHA 1994
- In event of death due to negligence: Criminal charges under Penal Code
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