Fire Safety Manager (FSM) & Fire Safety Officer (FSO): What You Need to Know
Fire safety is more than installing fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency exit signs. For designated premises in Malaysia, fire safety must be managed through a structured organisation led by competent and certified personnel.
This is where the Fire Safety Manager (FSM) and Fire Safety Officer (FSO) play essential roles.
Under Malaysia’s fire safety regulatory framework, the owner, occupier or person having overall management of a designated premise is required to establish an Organisasi Keselamatan Kebakaran (OKK), or Fire Safety Organisation.
Understanding the differences between an FSM and an FSO will help building owners and management teams appoint the right personnel, prepare for emergencies and meet the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, also known as Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM).
What Is a Fire Safety Organisation (OKK)?
A Fire Safety Organisation, or OKK, is an internal organisation established to manage fire safety at a designated premise.
Regulation 6B of the Fire Services (Fire Certificate) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 [P.U. (A) 290/2020] requires an OKK to consist of:
- One Fire Safety Manager
- At least three Fire Safety Officers
The appointed FSM and FSOs must be certified by the Director General of JBPM in the manner determined by the department.
The OKK is responsible for managing fire risks, maintaining emergency preparedness and coordinating the initial response to a fire or other emergency before the arrival of the Fire and Rescue Department.
An application for a Fire Certificate for a designated premise must also be accompanied by the relevant OKK establishment certificate, Fire and Emergency Action Plan and Fire Safety Report.
What Is a Fire Safety Manager?
A Fire Safety Manager, commonly known as an FSM, is the person responsible for overseeing the overall fire safety management of a designated premise.
The FSM provides leadership, develops fire safety strategies and ensures that fire prevention and emergency preparedness activities are properly planned, implemented and documented.
Key Responsibilities of a Fire Safety Manager
Depending on the premise and JBPM requirements, the FSM’s responsibilities may include:
- Developing and implementing fire safety policies and procedures
- Coordinating the establishment and operation of the OKK
- Preparing or coordinating the Fire and Emergency Action Plan
- Preparing and maintaining the Fire Safety Report
- Identifying fire hazards and recommending corrective actions
- Monitoring the maintenance of fire protection systems
- Planning fire drills and emergency exercises
- Coordinating fire safety training for building occupants
- Maintaining fire safety records and documentation
- Liaising with building management, contractors and JBPM
- Leading the response of the OKK during an emergency
- Reviewing incidents, drill findings and corrective actions
The FSM therefore performs a strategic and managerial role. The individual must understand the premise, its fire protection systems, occupant risks, emergency arrangements and applicable regulatory requirements.
What Is a Fire Safety Officer?
A Fire Safety Officer, or FSO, supports the FSM by implementing and monitoring fire safety measures at the operational level.
FSOs help ensure that daily conditions within the premise remain safe and that any fire hazards or deficiencies are identified and reported promptly.
Key Responsibilities of a Fire Safety Officer
An FSO’s responsibilities may include:
- Conducting routine fire safety inspections
- Checking fire extinguishers, hose reels and other equipment
- Ensuring fire exits and escape routes remain unobstructed
- Monitoring exit signs, emergency lighting and fire doors
- Identifying and reporting fire hazards
- Assisting with fire drills and evacuation exercises
- Supporting evacuation and occupant accountability
- Communicating fire safety instructions to occupants
- Maintaining inspection records and checklists
- Reporting non-compliance to the FSM
- Supporting emergency operations before JBPM arrives
FSOs serve as the operational eyes and ears of the Fire Safety Organisation. Their regular monitoring helps ensure that fire safety measures remain effective between audits, inspections and emergency drills.
What Is the Difference Between FSM and FSO?
Although both positions work toward the same objective, their authority, scope and day-to-day responsibilities are different.
| Area | Fire Safety Manager | Fire Safety Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Management and coordination | Operational monitoring and implementation |
| Scope | Overall fire safety of the premise | Assigned areas and daily fire safety activities |
| Planning | Develops plans, procedures and programmes | Helps implement the plans |
| Inspections | Reviews findings and determines actions | Conducts routine inspections |
| Emergency role | Leads and coordinates the OKK response | Supports evacuation and initial response |
| Reporting | Reports to management and liaises with JBPM | Reports hazards and findings to the FSM |
| Training | Plans and coordinates training | Supports training, briefings and drills |
In simple terms, the FSM plans, manages and coordinates, while the FSO monitors, implements and reports.
Both roles must work together for the OKK to function effectively.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide on the roles and responsibilities of FSM and FSO.
Are FSM and FSO Mandatory in Malaysia?
The requirement applies to designated premises governed by Malaysia’s Fire Certificate framework.
Regulation 6B provides that an owner, occupier or person having overall management of a designated premise must establish a Fire Safety Organisation. The required organisation must contain one FSM and at least three FSOs.
Examples of premises that may fall within designated-premise categories include certain:
- Hotels
- Hospitals and healthcare buildings
- Office buildings
- Shopping complexes
- Factories and industrial premises
- Educational institutions
- Hostels and dormitories
- Places of public assembly
- High-rise and large commercial buildings
However, the legal status of a building should be determined according to its actual use, height, floor area, occupancy and applicable Fire Certificate requirements. Building owners should confirm their premise classification with the relevant JBPM office instead of relying only on general building descriptions.
Read our guide on who must appoint a Fire Safety Manager in Malaysia for further information.
How Many FSMs and FSOs Does a Premise Need?
Under Regulation 6B, the minimum composition of an OKK is:
- One Fire Safety Manager
- At least three Fire Safety Officers
This is the statutory minimum stated in the regulations. JBPM may determine that a premise requires additional personnel depending on factors such as:
- Building size and layout
- Number of blocks or towers
- Occupant population
- Nature of business operations
- Working shifts
- Fire risk level
- Presence of hazardous processes or materials
- Conditions imposed by JBPM
A company may appoint more than one FSM or more than three FSOs to improve coverage, support shift operations and provide continuity when personnel are absent.
Does a Person Need to Take FSO Before FSM?
FSO and FSM are separate competency pathways with different roles and eligibility requirements.
A person does not necessarily need to complete the FSO programme before attending an FSM programme unless this is required by the latest JBPM course entry or certification criteria applicable to that candidate.
Candidates should be assessed according to their academic background, professional experience and the prevailing requirements established by JBPM.
Because requirements may be updated, organisations should verify candidate eligibility before confirming registration.
Why Do FSM and FSO Need Proper Training?
Managing fire safety requires more than general workplace safety knowledge. FSMs and FSOs must understand how to manage risks within a building and respond effectively when an incident occurs.
A structured competency programme may cover areas such as:
- Malaysian fire safety legislation
- Functions and responsibilities of an OKK
- Fire science and fire behaviour
- Fire hazards and risk assessment
- Active and passive fire protection
- Fire alarm and detection systems
- Emergency planning and evacuation
- Fire safety inspections
- Documentation and reporting
- Incident command and emergency coordination
- Fire drills and practical exercises
Proper training allows FSMs and FSOs to make informed decisions, identify unsafe conditions and perform their duties confidently.
What Are the Duties of the Fire Safety Organisation?
Regulation 6E outlines several duties of an OKK. These include responsibility for the fire safety of the designated premise and taking action during a fire or emergency before the arrival of JBPM.
The OKK is also responsible for:
- Directing the evacuation or removal of occupants
- Using available firefighting equipment and installations
- Removing identified fire hazards
- Preparing the Fire and Emergency Action Plan
- Preparing the Fire Safety Report
- Keeping plans and relevant records at the fire command centre
- Ensuring firefighting equipment and installations are maintained
- Attending courses or training determined by the Director General
- Conducting fire safety training for occupants at least once a year
- Conducting a fire drill at least once a year
These responsibilities show that an OKK must be actively involved in the continuous management of fire safety. It cannot exist only on paper.
What Happens When an FSM or FSO Leaves the Organisation?
If there is a change in the appointment of an FSM or FSO, the owner, occupier or person having overall management of the designated premise must notify the Director General in writing within 14 days of the change.
A replacement FSM or FSO must be appointed within 30 days from the date of resignation or termination.
Failure to maintain the required OKK structure may affect the organisation’s compliance status and its Fire Certificate process.
Benefits of Establishing an Effective OKK
A properly trained and supported Fire Safety Organisation provides benefits beyond regulatory compliance.
Better Emergency Preparedness
Occupants receive clearer instructions, evacuation procedures are tested and emergency responsibilities are assigned in advance.
Faster Identification of Fire Hazards
Routine inspections allow unsafe conditions to be detected and corrected before they develop into serious incidents.
Improved Fire Protection System Readiness
Regular monitoring helps ensure that fire alarms, extinguishers, hose reels, fire doors and emergency facilities remain accessible and operational.
Stronger Documentation
Inspection records, maintenance reports, drill reports and corrective-action records provide evidence of ongoing fire safety management.
Protection of Lives and Business Operations
Effective fire safety management helps reduce injuries, property loss, operational downtime and reputational damage.
Common Mistakes Organisations Should Avoid
Building owners and management teams should avoid the following mistakes:
- Waiting until the Fire Certificate renewal period to establish the OKK
- Appointing personnel without checking their eligibility
- Assuming a Safety and Health Officer automatically qualifies as an FSM
- Establishing an OKK only for documentation purposes
- Failing to provide FSMs and FSOs with sufficient authority and resources
- Not replacing an FSM or FSO within the required period
- Conducting fire drills without recording observations and corrective actions
- Allowing fire exits or firefighting equipment to become obstructed
- Failing to update the Fire and Emergency Action Plan
- Depending entirely on external contractors for internal fire safety management
Avoiding these mistakes strengthens both compliance and emergency readiness.
How to Prepare Your Organisation
Building owners and management teams can begin with the following steps:
1. Confirm the Status of the Premise
Determine whether the building is a designated premise and identify the applicable Fire Certificate requirements.
2. Review the Existing Fire Safety Team
Check whether the organisation already has suitable personnel who can be nominated for FSM and FSO training.
3. Verify Candidate Eligibility
Review the candidates’ academic qualifications, work experience and current JBPM entry requirements.
4. Register for Approved Training
Select a training provider listed or recognised by JBPM for the relevant FSM and FSO programmes. JBPM has published information on its registered FSM and FSO training providers through its official portal.
5. Establish the OKK
Appoint the required personnel, define their responsibilities and submit the relevant application to JBPM.
6. Maintain Continuous Compliance
Conduct inspections, training and fire drills, maintain fire safety documentation and promptly update JBPM when appointments change.
Frequently Asked Questions About FSM and FSO
Can One Company Appoint More Than One FSM?
Yes. Although the minimum requirement is one FSM for an OKK, an organisation may appoint additional competent personnel to improve coverage or meet operational needs.
Can One Person Be Both FSM and FSO?
The OKK composition requires one FSM and at least three FSOs. Organisations should appoint separate personnel to fulfil these positions and confirm any proposed arrangement with JBPM.
Is an FSM the Same as a Safety and Health Officer?
No. An FSM focuses specifically on fire safety management under the applicable fire safety framework. A Safety and Health Officer has broader occupational safety and health responsibilities. Holding one position does not automatically certify a person for the other.
How Often Must a Fire Drill Be Conducted?
Regulation 6E requires the OKK to conduct a fire drill at the designated premise at least once a year. Higher-risk or complex premises may benefit from more frequent exercises.
Is FSM and FSO Training HRD Corp Claimable?
Eligible employers may apply for HRD Corp claims subject to the programme’s registration status, employer eligibility and current HRD Corp terms and approval procedures.
Build a Competent Fire Safety Team with FERA
Preparing your FSM and FSO early gives your organisation sufficient time to complete training, establish the OKK and organise the documentation required for fire safety compliance.
FERA Training Center is a registered training provider for Fire Safety Manager and Fire Safety Officer programmes.
Our programmes are designed to help participants understand their responsibilities, strengthen practical fire safety competency and prepare to perform their roles within an Organisasi Keselamatan Kebakaran.
Register for FSM & FSO Training
- Fire Safety Manager: 5-day programme
- Fire Safety Officer: 4-day programme
- Face-to-face training
- HRD Corp claimable, subject to approval
- Conducted by experienced fire safety trainers
Register your interest: Complete the FSM & FSO registration form
For quotations, group registration or programme enquiries:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fera.com.my
WhatsApp: 012-273 0893
