KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) has introduced a certification scheme aimed at transitioning fire safety enforcement to an industry-led model.
Bomba director general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the initiative reflects a broader move toward a “safe regulated approach” or self-regulated enforcement, with a certification system for Fire Safety Managers and Fire Safety Officers.
Under the Human Resources Ministry’s mandate, Bomba has been appointed the Industry Leading Body (ILB) for a two-year period from 2025 to 2027.
“As the ILB, we are tasked with overseeing the development of the fire safety industry. One of the key efforts is introducing a qualification and certification system for Fire Safety Managers and Fire Safety Officers.
“These officers must undergo training by certified providers and meet the competency standards we have developed. Once appointed, they will take over the responsibility of conducting safety inspections and preparing reports for the department,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the Sarawak Bomba Southern Zone Industry Leading Body (ILB) Seminar at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Aug 4).
Nor Hisham explained that under the current standard operating procedure, fire inspections are conducted physically by Bomba officers each year.
He said once a certified Fire Safety Manager is appointed, the inspections will be carried out internally, and fire certificates can be renewed based on submitted reports without the need for physical checks.
“However, we will still conduct spot-checks every two or three years to verify the accuracy of their reports,” he added.
He further emphasised that this shift is aligned with the government’s public service reform, which aims to reduce direct enforcement by 25 per cent every three years.
“This is part of empowering the industry to self-regulate. It’s a necessary step forward as we position Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation,” he added.
