Last week, I had the privilege of engaging with professionals from the property industry.
The three-day engagement allowed me to delve into their professionalism and gain valuable insights.
Considering how fire safety and fire engineering are crucial aspects in the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the engagement also provided me with a prime opportunity to share insights on fire safety standards and fire codes.
The opportunity to share about these important matters contributes to the development of a healthy and safe property industry.
During the engagement, we scrutinised and reviewed the Uniform Building Bylaw 1984 (Amended 2021) and Fire Service Act 341,1988.
This is to ensure that the key stakeholders and industry players are staying abreast with new technologies.
Input from industry champions played a crucial role in exchanging best practices, emphasising the importance of staying up to date with information and technology given that they directly impact the industry.
My affiliation with the Federation Internationale des Administrateurs d Bien-Consellis Immobiliers (FIABCI) or the International Real Estate Federation as a judge goes back to 2015.
Personally, participating in engagements and dialogues sessions with FIABCI Committee members in 2014 has been a rewarding experience.
The association has provided a significant platform to contribute to the prestigious FIABCI awards.
There are several categories in the FIABCI awards, namely Residential High-Rise, Mixed-Use Development, Office, Residential Low-Rise, Sustainable Development, Affordable Housing, Industrial, Retail, Master Plan, Environmental, Purpose-Built, Heritage, Property CEO, and Property Man/Women.
As a worldwide network open to all professionals in the property industry, FIABCI allows its members to maximise their potentials globally.
The international recognition garnered from the FIABCI awards underscores its significance.
Submitting nominations for FIABCI awards requires adherence to basic criteria.
Projects must be fully completed, occupied, and operational for at least 12 months but not exceeding seven years.
Renovation and restoration projects necessitate restoring and renovating a minimum of 75 per cent of the total build-up.
At every level and stage of assessment, a minimum of 75 per cent is required for nominations to be eligible for the prestigious award.
This high standard emphasises the prestige associated with the FIABCI award.
As part of the community, we commit ourselves to ensuring that champions in the property industry not only talk the talk but also walk the walk.
This transformation is imperative in response to new risks and challenges.
I have always emphasised on how fire safety is a shared responsibility – it is not only the responsibility of the fire service but also for those in the property industry and the community itself.
Complying with fire protection guidelines and life safety codes in Malaysia guarantees that buildings are constructed for optimal usage.
Fire safety whether in residential or commercial settings is a critical aspect that warrants serious consideration in both design and operation.
A comprehensive approach involving authorities, designers, builders, inspectors, and occupants is necessary to ensure the safety of occupants and the protection of the property.
Reflecting on my role as a panel judge from 2015 to 2018 and as an independent judge since 2019, I have witnessed a healthy and responsive industry committed not only to meeting nomination criteria but also to ensuring the safety of the community.
The heart of the assessment lies in our homes and office spaces where we seek solace, comfort and most importantly, safety.
Urban life is a complex tapestry and safety considerations extend beyond fire safety to encompass living environments, security, and wellbeing.
As such, I must stress that safety relies on everyone’s reactions to compliance and responsibilities.
This collective accountability underscores the depth of our commitment to ensuring the safety of ourselves and our communities.
Fire safety is not a burden to be borne by a single entity; it is a shared responsibility transcending individual roles.
Public awareness on total fire safety must be embedded in all elements and aspects of the property industry including the need to emphasise the indispensable nature of the three critical 3P elements, namely precaution, prevention, and protection.
These are not mere buzzwords; they represent concerted efforts by all parties involved.
The call to be proactive resonates strongly highlighting that our safety is not just a hope but a shared responsibility and a reality that we craft together.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
