Understanding Fire Certificate Requirements, BOMBA Compliance, Annual Renewal and Fire Safety Responsibilities in Malaysia
Fire safety is more than a legal requirement. It is a fundamental responsibility that protects employees, customers, property and business operations.
In Malaysia, certain buildings and business premises are legally required to obtain a Fire Certificate (FC), also known as Perakuan Bomba, from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia — JBPM).
However, many business owners, building managers and facility management teams remain uncertain about which premises require a Fire Certificate, how to apply, when to renew it and what responsibilities come with maintaining compliance.
This article explains everything Malaysian businesses should know about Fire Certificates and why effective fire safety management is essential.
1. What Is a Fire Certificate (FC)?
A Fire Certificate (FC) is an official certificate issued by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) to premises classified as designated premises (Premis Ditetapkan) under the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341).
The certificate is issued following the relevant application and inspection process, when JBPM is satisfied that adequate firefighting equipment and fire safety installations are provided for the intended use of the premises.
A Fire Certificate is not merely an administrative document. It is an important part of the fire safety compliance framework designed to protect building occupants and support emergency preparedness.
Building owners must continue maintaining their fire safety systems and complying with applicable requirements after receiving the certificate.
2. Is a Fire Certificate Mandatory in Malaysia?
Yes. Under Section 28(1) of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341), every designated premises is required to have a Fire Certificate.
Section 28(2) further requires Fire Certificates to be renewed annually.
Whether a particular building qualifies as designated premises depends on its use, size, height, design and other applicable criteria established under Malaysian law.
This means not every commercial property automatically requires a Fire Certificate. Businesses should confirm their building’s classification with JBPM rather than relying solely on its business category.
3. Which Buildings Require a Fire Certificate?
Under the Fire Services (Designated Premises) Order and its amendments, several types of buildings may fall within the designated premises category when the relevant thresholds are met.
Examples include:
- Hotels and accommodation buildings: Hotels meeting specified room-count, building-height or design criteria.
- Office buildings: Certain high-rise or large office developments.
- Factories and industrial facilities: Manufacturing premises meeting applicable floor-area, building-layout or operational criteria.
- Shopping and retail premises: Shops and commercial premises meeting designated floor-area thresholds.
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Hospitals and treatment premises meeting applicable size or building-height criteria.
- Dormitories and hostels: Accommodation premises meeting relevant design, height or floor-area requirements.
- Libraries and assembly premises: Buildings accommodating public activities that meet specified criteria.
- Storage facilities and car parks: Certain storage buildings and underground parking facilities.
For example, the 2020 amendments include office buildings with a height of 30 metres or more, or a total floor area of 10,000 square metres or more, within the designated premises criteria.
Actual classification must be based on the applicable legal schedule and the individual building’s characteristics.
4. How to Apply for a Fire Certificate in Malaysia
Business owners, occupiers or persons responsible for the overall management of designated premises must follow the application procedures established by JBPM.
The general process involves:
Step 1: Confirm the Building’s Classification
Determine whether the premises fall under the designated premises requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the Relevant Documentation
Complete the prescribed application form and prepare supporting documents, which may include building plans and relevant information about fire safety installations.
Step 3: Submit the Application to JBPM
Submit the application through the appropriate JBPM channel and comply with any additional documentation requests.
Step 4: Undergo Fire Safety Inspection
JBPM arranges the necessary inspection and assesses the adequacy of firefighting equipment and fire safety installations.
Step 5: Address Any Identified Deficiencies
If the premises do not satisfy applicable requirements, the applicant may be required to complete corrective actions within a specified period.
Step 6: Obtain the Fire Certificate
Once the relevant requirements are met and the application is approved, JBPM issues the Fire Certificate subject to applicable conditions.
Businesses should verify current submission procedures, fees and documentation requirements with the relevant JBPM office.
5. How Long Is a Fire Certificate Valid?
A Fire Certificate must be renewed annually under Section 28(2) of Act 341.
Business owners and building management teams should maintain an effective renewal tracking system to prevent their certificates from expiring.
Before renewal, it is important to ensure that:
- Fire protection systems are properly maintained.
- Emergency exits and escape routes remain accessible.
- Firefighting equipment is in serviceable condition.
- Fire safety documentation and maintenance records are updated.
- Any outstanding fire safety deficiencies have been addressed.
- Applicable fire safety management obligations have been fulfilled.
Fire safety compliance should be maintained continuously rather than only when a renewal inspection is approaching.
6. What Happens If a Building Does Not Have a Valid Fire Certificate?
Failure to maintain a valid Fire Certificate for designated premises is a serious legal matter.
Under Section 33 of the Fire Services Act 1988, an owner of designated premises without a Fire Certificate in force may, upon conviction, face:
- A fine not exceeding RM50,000;
- Imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or
- Both.
Beyond legal penalties, inadequate fire safety management may expose businesses to operational disruption, property damage and risks to occupants.
Maintaining a valid Fire Certificate is therefore an essential part of responsible building management.
7. What Is the Connection Between Fire Certificates, FSM and FSO?
Fire safety compliance involves more than obtaining and renewing a Fire Certificate.
Under Section 27A of the Fire Services Act 1988, designated premises are also subject to requirements concerning the establishment of a Fire Safety Organisation (Organisasi Keselamatan Kebakaran — OKK).
Two important personnel roles within this framework are:
Fire Safety Manager (FSM)
A Fire Safety Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating fire safety arrangements at designated premises, including fire safety planning, monitoring, documentation and the implementation of relevant fire safety management responsibilities.
Fire Safety Officer (FSO)
A Fire Safety Officer supports the implementation of fire safety measures, routine monitoring, emergency preparedness and other fire safety duties in accordance with the organisation’s arrangements and applicable requirements.
Both roles contribute to maintaining a structured and proactive approach to fire safety management.
8. Important Update: FSM and FSO Requirements from 2027
On 6 October 2026, JBPM announced that owners of 9,451 designated buildings nationwide would be required to appoint FSMs and FSOs and establish their Fire Safety Organisations, with implementation beginning on 1 April 2027.
JBPM also announced preparation arrangements of approximately six to eighteen months for building owners, depending on existing Fire Certificate expiry dates and inspection schedules.
This development highlights the increasing importance of competent fire safety personnel and structured fire safety management.
Building owners and management teams should begin reviewing their staffing arrangements, training needs and compliance readiness before the applicable implementation timeline.
9. How Can Businesses Prepare for Fire Safety Compliance?
Businesses can strengthen their readiness through several practical measures:
- Verify whether their premises require a Fire Certificate.
- Check the validity and renewal status of their existing certificate.
- Ensure fire protection systems are inspected, tested and maintained.
- Review emergency response plans and evacuation procedures.
- Identify suitable employees for FSM and FSO training.
- Establish or strengthen their Fire Safety Organisation where required.
- Conduct appropriate fire safety training and emergency exercises.
These measures support a proactive fire safety culture and help organisations prepare for future compliance obligations.
10. Fire Safety Training with FERA Training Center
At FERA Training Center Sdn Bhd, we believe effective fire safety starts with knowledge, preparedness and competent personnel.
As a JBPM-recognised training provider for Fire Safety Manager (FSM) and Fire Safety Officer (FSO) programmes, FERA is committed to supporting organisations in developing fire safety competencies.
Our training programmes include:
Fire Safety Manager (FSM) Training
- Duration: 5 days
- Focus: Fire safety management, planning, supervision, coordination and relevant statutory responsibilities.
Fire Safety Officer (FSO) Training
- Duration: 4 days
- Focus: Fire safety awareness, operational responsibilities, inspection awareness and emergency preparedness.
FERA also provides other fire safety and emergency response training programmes, including Emergency Response Team (ERT), Fire Warden and Management, Basic Firefighting and Rescue, and selected NFPA training programmes.
Please note that attending training does not automatically grant an individual an official JBPM appointment or guarantee a building’s Fire Certificate approval. All applicable assessment, recognition, appointment and regulatory requirements must be fulfilled.
Conclusion: Fire Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
A Fire Certificate is more than a compliance document. It represents an important commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding property and maintaining responsible business operations.
With evolving fire safety requirements in Malaysia, businesses must take proactive steps to understand their legal obligations, maintain fire protection systems and develop competent fire safety personnel.
Don’t wait until your Fire Certificate expires or an inspection identifies a problem. Start preparing your organisation today.
Strengthen Your Fire Safety Readiness with FERA
Looking to prepare your employees for Fire Safety Manager (FSM) or Fire Safety Officer (FSO) responsibilities?
Contact FERA Training Center Sdn Bhd to learn more about our training programmes and upcoming course schedules.
Website: www.fera.com.my
Email: [email protected]
Contact: +60 12-273 0893
Train. Respond. Save.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and awareness. Building classifications, inspection requirements and regulatory obligations are subject to applicable Malaysian legislation and official JBPM guidance. For confirmation regarding a specific building, please consult the relevant JBPM office.
