LABUAN — Three premises in Labuan offering rental rooms or accommodation were found to have fire safety deficiencies during an integrated inspection operation conducted by the Labuan Fire and Rescue Department today.
Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director PgKB I Abd Rahman Ali said the inspection identified internal structural alterations from office space to rental rooms, inadequate exit staircases and fire protection systems that were not in good condition.
“The main concerns are structural changes that may affect fire safety, insufficient exit staircases and fire protection systems that are not functioning properly,” he said.
He said the operation, dubbed Ops Bilik Sewa ‘Sarang Burung’ 2026, involved 40 personnel and officers from several agencies, including Labuan Fire and Rescue Department, Labuan Immigration Department, Labuan Corporation and police.
“The operation aims to identify fire hazards and ensure that the premises comply with the relevant fire safety requirements to protect occupants and members of the public,” he said.
Abd Rahman said the inspection also focused on emergency escape routes, access to exits, fire safety facilities and modifications that could compromise occupants’ safety.
He said the department believed more premises operating as rental-room establishments could be found in Labuan, adding that similar integrated operations would continue following the initial inspection.
Enforcement action would be determined based on the findings and applicable provisions under the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341).
Under Section 8 of the Act, a notice to abate fire hazards may be issued. Failure to comply with a valid notice may result in a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, under Section 10.
Meanwhile, the department recorded 566 emergency calls from Jan 1 to Oct 21 this year, comprising 198 fire calls, 349 rescue calls and 19 special-duty calls.
Estimated fire losses during the period amounted to RM30.35 million, while the estimated value of property saved stood at RM531.79 million.
