Malaysia daycare safety compliance hinges on exits, alarms and detectors

by Featured NewsResearch

Nationwide daycare safety inspection results released in Malaysia

The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has carried out 1,172 inspections of childcare centres across Malaysia as of October, with 373 notices issued for non-compliance, Malay Mail has reported, citing Bernama.

The figures were shared by Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu during a question and answer session in Dewan Negara on 15/12/2025.

She was responding to Senator Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohammad Redzuan Othman on how Malaysia will ensure daycare centres and private education institutions operating in business complexes and shophouses comply with safety regulations.

Daycare safety enforcement to run on schedule

Aiman Athirah said the ministry, through JBPM, will implement enforcement through scheduled activities to eliminate fire hazards on premises.

Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said: “The ministry, through JBPM, will implement enforcement through activities to eliminate fire hazards on premises, on a scheduled basis.

“This is to ensure that the premises always comply with the conditions set and do not make any modifications to the premises that were approved for the original plan,” she said during Dewan Negara.

Safety requirements listed for operators

Aiman Athirah said safety requirements include installing a fire safety system and providing at least two exits, including doors and exit stairs.

She also cited separation walls, fire extinguishers placed at easily visible exits, limits on cooking activities and the installation of self-contained smoke detectors.

Private education inspections also reported

Aiman Athirah said 234 inspections were conducted for private primary and secondary educational institutions during the same period.

She said 41 notices were issued following those inspections.

Licensing and monitoring data from 2024 and 2025

Aiman Athirah said that in 2024, local authorities (PBT) approved 1,208 business premises licences and carried out 723 monitoring and enforcement operations.

She said this resulted in 61 compounds and eight notices issued to licence owners.

She said that in 2025, local authorities approved 1,737 licences and conducted 472 monitoring and enforcement operations.

She said these operations led to 96 compounds and 23 notices.

Licensing process and stakeholder involvement

Aiman Athirah said the ministry supports stakeholder involvement to develop the private education sector through efforts to simplify business premises licence approvals.

She said this will be done while maintaining safety aspects and compliance with applicable laws.

Malaysia’s Fire Services Bill (Amendment) 2025 proposes new regulations

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire Services Bill (Amendment) 2025 to enhance fire safety framework

The Fire Services Bill (Amendment) 2025 is set to be tabled in Malaysia’s Parliament towards the end of the current session, according to Bernama.

The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) stated that the amendment aims to improve regulatory oversight of volunteer fire brigades, fire safety consultants, and related services.

JBPM said the changes are necessary to ensure public safety and enhance the efficiency of fire services under the Fire Services Act 1988 [Act 341].

Strengthening regulations for volunteer fire brigades and fire safety consultants

JBPM’s statement outlined that the primary focus of the amendment is to address challenges in managing and regulating volunteer fire brigades, fire safety consultants, and consulting firms.

The proposed changes will also apply to competent individuals and fire safety contractors, including those involved in fire prevention equipment, fire safety installations, training providers, and private fire brigades.

Aligning fire services with national objectives

JBPM stated that the amendment is aligned with the government’s vision of making fire services more accessible to the public.

The department added that legislative updates are necessary for the department’s development and operational efficiency.

JBPM noted that ensuring public safety and national sustainability is a key objective, with the changes aimed at strengthening protections against fire and emergency risks.

Malaysia’s Fire Services Bill (Amendment) 2025 proposes new regulations: Summary

The Fire Services Bill (Amendment) 2025 is expected to be introduced in Malaysia’s Parliament later this session.

JBPM stated that the amendment seeks to improve regulatory oversight of volunteer fire brigades, fire safety consultants, and related services under the Fire Services Act 1988 [Act 341].

The bill aims to address management and regulatory challenges for volunteer fire brigades, fire safety consultants, fire safety consulting firms, competent individuals, and fire safety contractors.

JBPM stated that it also covers fire prevention equipment, fire safety installations, training providers, instructors, and private fire brigades.

The department noted that the amendment supports the government’s goal of making fire services more accessible and ensuring public safety through better protection against fire and emergency risks.