GEORGE TOWN (June 3) — The Penang state government is considering improvements to fire safety regulations for older and heritage buildings following the fatal fire at the historic Odeon building along Jalan Penang last Saturday.
State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the review will be based on findings from investigations conducted by relevant authorities, along with recommendations from technical agencies.
According to H’ng, the government is treating the incident with utmost seriousness and will assess several areas that may require enhancement. These include strengthening compliance with fire safety requirements, increasing monitoring of high-risk buildings, improving oversight of renovation activities, and raising safety awareness among property owners and business operators.
He stressed that any proposed measures would be carefully evaluated to balance public safety, heritage conservation requirements, and existing legal frameworks.
Penang's local councils — the Seberang Perai City Council and the Penang Island City Council — have long worked closely with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia and other technical agencies to ensure the safety of ageing and heritage structures across the state.
Current efforts include monitoring building usage, regulating renovation works, enforcing licensing requirements, and coordinating with technical authorities to improve fire safety standards. Building owners and operators are also encouraged to maintain essential safety features such as emergency exits, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and electrical installations.
H’ng noted that both local councils conduct regular inspections of buildings, renovation projects, and heritage properties to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Authorities also monitor abandoned and deteriorating structures that may pose safety risks.
To encourage greater compliance among property owners, MBPP previously introduced a streamlined application process for existing shophouses and heritage buildings within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the initiative, owners can submit building plan applications for certain works without undergoing the planning permission process, provided specific conditions and requirements are met.
Following the Odeon building fire, MBPP will review investigation outcomes and determine whether existing procedures, guidelines, and safety requirements should be strengthened. The council also plans to engage with the SPEAD (Surveyors, Planners, Engineers, Architects and Developers) Committee and relevant technical agencies to explore further improvements, particularly those related to fire safety in older and heritage buildings.
The state government will continue coordinating with local authorities and enforcement agencies to monitor the situation and implement necessary follow-up actions, including inspections, enforcement measures, and repair directives where required.
The fire, which occurred during renovation works at an entertainment centre within the Odeon building, claimed the life of 56-year-old Myanmar construction worker Mohamad Boshi Sabi Ullah. The premises was being converted into a restaurant at the time of the incident. Authorities reported that the victim died from smoke inhalation after becoming trapped inside the building.
Key Takeaways
Penang is reviewing fire safety measures for old and heritage buildings following the fatal Odeon building fire.
Authorities may strengthen compliance requirements, renovation monitoring, and safety awareness programmes.
MBSP and MBPP already conduct inspections and work with JBPM to enforce building safety standards.
Building owners are encouraged to maintain emergency exits, fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and safe electrical wiring.
MBPP will assess investigation findings and discuss additional safety improvements with technical experts and industry stakeholders.
The incident highlights the importance of strict fire safety management during renovation works, particularly in ageing and heritage structures.
