KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA March 9, 2026. – In response to a worrying uptick in fire incidents in strata developments, including People’s Housing Programme (PPR) residences, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, has announced new initiatives to bolster fire safety awareness and preparedness across the city.
According to the media statement released today, fire cases in strata buildings have steadily increased over the past three years: 68 in 2023, 75 in 2024, and 86 in 2025. This trend underscores the critical need for proactive measures among building management and residents.
The Department of Federal Territories, in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM WPKL), is focusing on two primary actions to address the issue.
First, all building management bodies, such as Joint Management Bodies (JMB) and Management Corporations (MC), are required to conduct periodic maintenance of fire safety systems. This includes ensuring that prevention equipment, safety gear, and evacuation procedures remain in optimal condition. Management bodies are urged to collaborate with JBPM WPKL for guidance, reachable via email at bkk_kl@bomba.gov.my or by phone at 03-21484444.
Second, residents are encouraged to take an active role by engaging with their JMB or MC to verify that regular maintenance is performed, fostering a community-driven approach to safety.
The statement also provides essential fire safety advice for residents:
– Familiarize yourself with emergency and exit routes in your building.
– If evacuation is impossible, relocate to a room with an outward-facing window, seal door gaps with wet cloths or towels to block smoke, and signal for help by waving a bright cloth or object.
Importantly, the minister warned against seeking refuge in toilets or bathrooms during fires. Most fire fatalities result from smoke inhalation rather than burns, and these spaces often have poor ventilation, allowing smoke to accumulate rapidly. They lack secondary escapes, deplete oxygen quickly, and can be hard for rescuers to locate. Additionally, extreme heat may turn water in bathtubs into scalding steam, posing burn risks to the lungs, while structural collapses could trap occupants under heavy materials like tiles.
In recognition of JBPM WPKL’s vital contributions beyond firefighting—including rescue and relief during disasters—Minister Yeoh has allocated a RM50,000 grant to support the purchase of additional equipment, enhancing their operational capabilities.
“I acknowledge the important role played by JBPM WPKL in keeping the people of Kuala Lumpur safe,” Yeoh stated. “Their work goes beyond firefighting. They are also at the forefront of rescue and relief operations during disasters and emergencies.”
This initiative aims to create a safer urban environment in Kuala Lumpur, where strata developments are densely concentrated, by combining regulatory enforcement with public participation.
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