The fire disaster in Hong Kong, which claimed multiple lives and injured many others, is a stark reminder that fire safety can never be taken for granted
THE recent fire disaster in Hong Kong, which claimed multiple lives and injured many others, is a stark reminder that fire safety can never be taken for granted – not even in modern, highly regulated cities.
For Malaysia, this tragedy should serve as an important lesson for everyone. We must look at the causes, understand the failures and take corrective action to prevent such an incident from happening here.
Strict compliance
Early reports indicate that the building design, layout and safety compliance contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Malaysia must intensify enforcement of fire regulations, ensuring that all premises – especially older buildings – meet requirements for fire escapes, fire doors, alarms and sprinkler systems. Non-compliance must carry serious penalties, and enforcement should be consistent, not episodic.
Regular inspection
Old commercial buildings, entertainment outlets, mixed-use premises and densely populated structures require more frequent fire inspections. The Fire and Rescue Department must be adequately staffed, well-resourced and empowered to carry out surprise inspections. We should also publish inspection data for transparency and public awareness.
Safety upgrades
Many fires in Malaysia are caused by faulty wiring, overloading and outdated electrical systems. This tragedy should prompt mandatory periodic electrical system audits – especially in older buildings – and ensure that all rewiring is carried out by certified electricians. Strict oversight of renovation works that could compromise a building’s fire integrity is equally critical.
Safe escape routes
Blocked staircases, locked exits and cluttered corridors remain a problem in Malaysian buildings. This is unacceptable. Clear escape paths must be a non-negotiable requirement, and building managers should face immediate action if escape routes are found obstructed.
Public preparedness
Fire safety is not just about infrastructure; it is also about people. Regular fire drills in malls, offices, hotels and high-rise residences must become routine, not symbolic. Malaysians must know how to respond in an emergency, where the nearest exits are and how to assist vulnerable individuals.
Improved response capability
The Hong Kong incident demonstrated the importance of rapid response and effective coordination. Malaysia must continue strengthening the Fire and Rescue Department with modern equipment, advanced communication systems and specialised rescue training. High-rise firefighting capability should be prioritised, given the increasing vertical development in our cities.
Stronger regulations
Entertainment venues and facilities with heavy electrical use or cooking activity need stricter licensing requirements. These premises should be subjected to more rigorous fire safety certification and regular re-evaluation to ensure safety standards are always met.
A tragedy we cannot ignore
Every major fire disaster around the world teaches the same painful lesson: complacency kills.
Malaysia must not wait for a similar catastrophe to occur before strengthening our fire safety culture. This is the right moment for the government, local authorities, building owners and the public to recommit to fire safety.
Fire safety must be seen not as a bureaucratic checklist but as a shared responsibility and a moral obligation to protect lives. Only by learning from tragedies elsewhere can we prevent our own.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Chairman
Alliance for a Safe Community
