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Fire Certificate (FC): Who Needs Them
and Why?
What is a Fire Certificate (FC)?
A Fire Certificate (FC) is a document issued to premises categorized as designated premises. All designated premises must have a Fire Certificate issued by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. The categories of designated premises are as follows:-
| Premise | Size | Operational Area |
|---|---|---|
| Library | More than 1,000 square meters (total floor area) | Throughout Malaysia |
| Hospitals and Care Homes | 3 stories or more, with each floor area exceeding 250 square meters; 5 stories or more | Throughout Malaysia |
| Hotels | Open balcony corridor design: 4 stories or more with more than 50 rooms; 6 stories or more. Other designs: 21 rooms or more | Throughout Malaysia |
| Dormitories | 4 stories or more, with each floor area exceeding 250 square meters; 6 stories or more | Throughout Malaysia |
| Office Buildings | Height exceeding 30 meters or 10,000 square meters (total floor area) | Throughout Malaysia |
| Shops | 2,001 square meters or more (total floor area) | Throughout Malaysia |
| Factories | Single-story with 2,001 square meters or more equipped with an automatic sprinkler system; Two-story with each floor built as a separate space, single or terrace construction exceeding 1,000 square meters (total floor area); Three stories or more; Multi-story factory with open balcony approach, two stories or more, where each space exceeds 7,000 cubic meters. Special structures – Factory complexes such as palm oil milling complexes, refineries, cement plants, etc.; Hazardous processes | Throughout Malaysia |
| Assembly Places | Buildings without a central air conditioning system of 2,000 square meters or more; Buildings with a central air conditioning system exceeding 1,000 square meters or accommodating 1,000 people or more | Throughout Malaysia |
| Storage and General | Underground parking structures exceeding 1,000 square meters; More than 7,000 cubic meters; Two stories or more with more than 1,000 square meters (total floor area) | Throughout Malaysia |
Source: bomba.gov.my
This certificate is an official document issued by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to confirm that a building follows fire safety rules and that the building comply with safety standards. To apply for a Fire Certificate, a company must also construct a team called, Organisasi Keselamatan Kebakaran (OKK). This team will be responsible for making sure the building continues to follow fire safety requirements. For new premises, an application must be submitted immediately upon obtaining the Certificate of Fitness (CF), Temporary Certificate of Fitness (TCF), or Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).
Implications on Non-Compliance
1. Legal Penalties
Non-compliance with fire certificate regulations in Malaysia can lead to serious legal and safety consequences. Here are the key implications:
- Fines: Owners of designated premises without a valid fire certificate may face fines of up to RM50,000
- Imprisonment: Violators can be sentenced to up to five years in prison
2. Safety Risks
- Increased Fire Hazards: Lack of proper fire safety measures can lead to higher risks of fire outbreaks and loss of life
- Liability Issues: In case of a fire, owners may be held legally responsible for damages and injuries
- Insurance Complications: Non-compliance may result in insurance claims being denied, leaving businesses financially vulnerable
BOMBA conducts inspections to ensure compliance before issuing or renewing the certificate
How Fire Fighter Industry Can Help you
Need help getting a Fire Certificate for your premise? Our Fire Safety Consultants are ready to assist you through the process and ensure compliance.
Our ISO-certified project teams—comprising expert consultants, engineers, specialists, and technicians—deliver comprehensive fire risk assessments, assist in preparing and submitting applications, and provide continuous support throughout the inspection process. With our guidance, you can achieve full compliance with fire safety regulations while streamlining the application journey for a faster, smoother, and stress-free experience.
Key Learnings & Takeaways
- A Fire Certificate (FC) is issued by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) to confirm that a building meets fire safety standards as outlined in the Fire Services Act 1988
- Certain buildings, like hotels, hospitals, factories, and offices, must have an FC if they exceed specific size or height limits.
- Buildings must be equipped with firefighting systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and other firefighting equipment.
