Johor bahru: Full enforcement on premises required to obtain a Fire Certificate (FC) will begin in the first quarter of 2026, says Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Ahmad Izram Othman. He stressed that premises failing to comply after the enforcement date could face legal action.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, premises that fail to obtain the FC after full enforcement may be fined up to RM50,000, or face five years’ imprisonment, or both. Datuk Ahmad Izram Othman shared this information with reporters after officiating the Johor-level Fire Safety Organisation (OKK) Seminar. Alongside him, Johor JBPM director Siti Rohani Nadir and State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor were also present.

The initiative aims to tighten fire safety measures for Designated Premises, which include nine categories: libraries; hospitals and care centres; hotels; hostels and dormitories; offices; shops; factories; places of assembly; and storage facilities. Currently, a total of 9,321 premises nationwide have been classified as requiring the FC, with 5,881 already in possession of the certificate.

Johor has recorded the highest number, with 2,288 premises categorised as Designated Premises that must have the FC, which requires annual renewal. Johor’s growth is attributed to numerous new developments, and all premises that receive the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) from local authorities must register for the FC.

The year 2025 will focus on education and awareness, including seminars and training sessions for premises owners. JBPM has also introduced a self-regulation concept by establishing OKKs at all Designated Premises, which must have one Fire Safety Manager and three Fire Safety Officers.

Training for these individuals will commence at the end of this year to ensure readiness before enforcement begins next year. Failure by premises to establish the OKK will indirectly result in the FC not being issued.