KUCHING – The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has further cemented its role in fire safety leadership through the successful hosting of the Southern Zone Industry Lead Body (ILB) Seminar, held at the Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching (BCCK) on Monday.
The seminar served as a strategic platform for improving fire safety awareness among industry players, premises owners, and the general public, while enhancing JBPM’s position as an ILB in developing future-ready, skilled fire safety personnel.
Delivering his speech via Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian described the seminar as an important step toward improving fire safety knowledge, aligning with JBPM’s mission of shaping sustainable and competitive human capital.
“This seminar builds capacity among residents, building owners, and industry professionals, and reinforces JBPM’s leadership in producing qualified fire safety experts,” said Dr Sim.
He also noted that the programme fosters strategic collaboration between government agencies, academia, and the private sector while addressing challenges related to technological advancements and industry standards in fire safety.
JBPM Director-General Dato’ Sri Nor Hisham Mohammad, speaking to the media, revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources had officially appointed JBPM as an ILB from 2025 to 2027.
During this period, JBPM will roll out a certification and accreditation programme for Fire Safety Managers and Fire Safety Officers—mandatory for buildings requiring a Fire Certificate.
“Accredited individuals will undergo specialised training and will be held accountable. If they breach the code of conduct, their accreditation may be revoked, and they can face legal consequences under the updated Fire Services Act, coming into force in January next year,” he explained.
The self-regulated model aims to shift responsibility from full reliance on enforcement agencies to in-house compliance, supporting Malaysia’s long-term aspiration for a developed, safety-conscious nation.
The seminar, organised in collaboration with PERSKEBS and HRD Corp, drew over 600 participants across various industries in Sarawak’s southern zone, marking a major milestone in professionalising the field of fire safety.
