FIRE safety is an essential aspect that both individuals and governments should prioritise.
Achieving total fire safety requires a well-regulated system and a healthy, conducive environment in which we live and work.
In a previous column, I discussed crucial components that contribute to this goal, and in this week’s column, I would like to delve deeper into the role of authority in ensuring fire safety.
The federal government has introduced the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974, as well as the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (Amendment 2012), which serve as relevant laws and ordinances for fire safety.
In Sarawak, the state government enacted the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994 to regulate the building and construction industry in the state.
This ordinance was later amended to consolidate and provide further provisions related to building laws in the state.
To remain relevant, the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994 requires amendments to harmonise it with the latest version of the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (Amendment 2021).
These amendments are crucial to ensure that our buildings meet the required safety standards.
Deputy Premier cum Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has been working closely with the State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba Sarawak) and professional bodies involving architects, surveyors, housing and property developers on this matter.
He assured that the state government will continue to do its part to enhance safety buildings as Sarawak has autonomy on its Building Ordinance.
“As the minister in charge, it is part of my job to constantly get my officers to review all the laws and bring any matters up for any amendments.
“I am grateful to Bomba Sarawak and the professional associations for spending time and putting in efforts to look through the Building Ordinance so that it is updated,” he said at an event earlier this month.
Dr Sim is set to table the amendments to the Building Ordinance 1994 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November.
To gain a better understanding of the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994, it is important to examine the provisions outlined in the Fourth Schedule of the Building By-Laws.
This section covers various aspects such as the submission of plans for approval, space, light, and ventilation requirements, temporary works, structural and constructional requirements, fire safety requirements, fire alarms, detection, extinguishment, firefighting access and miscellaneous regulations.
The focus lies in the pursuit of total fire safety and the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994 plays a pivotal role in regulating and ensuring compliance to make buildings safe for occupancy.
However, it is crucial for all parties involved to wholeheartedly and sincerely adhere to these provisions.
These include the authorities responsible for plan approval, qualified individuals discharging their duties with utmost integrity, building contractors constructing according to approved plans using standardised materials and diligent inspectors overseeing the process.
In addition, building owners or occupiers have an added responsibility of taking care of their properties by practisng good housekeeping and ensuring regular maintenance.
By collectively adhering to these provisions, we can achieve total fire safety as mandated by the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994.
Parts I to VIII of the ordinance act as guiding mechanisms for planning, designing, testing, inspecting, and approving buildings, ensuring that each category meets the necessary passive and active fire safety requirements. These provisions serve as critical guiding factors on the path to achieving total fire safety.
Ultimately, the true champions of total fire safety are the community and the people who appreciate and embrace the spirit embodied in the Sarawak Building Ordinance 1994. It is through their commitment and compliance that we can create a safer built environment for everyone.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
