Key takeaways
- A new building applies for a Fire Certificate after obtaining its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), using Form I [1].
- All designated buildings must have the Automatic Fire Monitoring System (SPKA) linking the fire alarm to the nearest fire station [1].
- The certificate is valid for one year and is renewed using Form III, at least 30 days before it expires [1].
- Every application and renewal is subject to a BOMBA inspection [1].
- Premises without a Fire Safety Organisation (OKK) will be denied Fire Certificate approval [4].
A Fire Certificate (Perakuan Bomba) is required for every designated premises in Malaysia [2]. This guide explains how to apply for a new certificate and how to keep it renewed.
Who needs a Fire Certificate?
Every designated premises requires a Fire Certificate under Section 28(1) of the Fire Services Act 1988 [2]. Designated premises include offices, shops, hotels, hostels, hospitals and nursing homes, factories, libraries, assembly areas and stores [3]. A house occupied as a single private dwelling and premises used for public religious worship are exempt [2]. For more detail, see our guide: Fire Services Act 1988: What Building Owners Need to Know.
What must be ready before applying?
For a new building, the Fire Certificate is applied for after the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) has been obtained [1]. The building must also have the Automatic Fire Monitoring System (SPKA), which links its fire alarm system to the nearest fire station; BOMBA has made this compulsory for all designated buildings [1].
The premises must also have a Fire Safety Organisation (OKK), made up of one Fire Safety Manager and three Fire Safety Officers. JBPM has stated that premises without an OKK will be denied Fire Certificate approval [4].
Which documents are needed?
The application is usually supported by [1]:
- A copy of the CCC
- A copy of the building plan approved by BOMBA during the CCC process
- A copy of the sale and purchase agreement
- A copy of the land title
- A copy of the assessment
- A copy of the business licence
What are the steps to apply?
- Obtain the CCC for the building [1].
- Submit Form I with the supporting documents to BOMBA [1].
- BOMBA reviews the documents and arranges an inspection [1].
- If the fire protection system is satisfactory, pay the fee and the Fire Certificate is issued [1].
How is a Fire Certificate renewed?
A Fire Certificate is valid for one year from the date it is issued [1], and Section 28(2) of the Act makes it renewable annually [2]. The renewal is made using Form III, at least 30 days before the expiry date, and every renewal is subject to a BOMBA inspection [1].
Why do certified buildings fail to comply?
In 2024, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department found that about 10% of some 1,900 certified premises in the state did not meet the requirements of their certificate [3]. The reasons included not carrying out fire drills and breaking building renovation standards [3]. The department stated that fire drills should be held at least once a year and that each building’s safety system must always be in perfect condition and functioning properly [3].
What if the building is renovated after it is certified?
A certified building cannot be modified in a way that makes its existing fire protection system inadequate [1]. Under Section 32(2) of the Act, the occupier must give notice to the Director General before starting a material change to the premises [2].
Frequently asked questions
One year from the date it is issued.
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department states that fire drills should be conducted at least once a year, and not carrying them out is one of the reasons buildings fail to meet their certificate requirements.
Yes. An appeal can be made in writing within 21 days of being notified of the refusal.
Sources
- IPM, “Fire Certificate Application”, Ir. Dr. Justin Lai Woon Fatt, 2020. https://ipm.my/fire-certificate-application/
- Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341), copy hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. https://fkt.utm.my/jkkp/wp-content/uploads/sites/198/2023/04/Act-341-Fire-Services-Act-1988.pdf
- Malay Mail, “Fire dept: 10pc of 1,900 buildings with fire certificates in Selangor do not comply with requirements”, 17 April 2024. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/04/17/fire-dept-10pc-of-1900-buildings-with-fire-certificates-in-selangor-do-not-comply-with-requirements/129381
- The Sun (Bernama), “Full fire certificate enforcement for designated premises starts 2026”, 7 August 2025. https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/news-malaysia-news-full-fire-certificate-enforcement-for-designated-premises-starts-2026-ha14634641/
