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Fire safety is a fundamental component of building maintenance that directly influences occupant safety, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance. In Malaysia, fire safety is a critical consideration across various sectors, including residential high-rises, heritage buildings, and public institutions. Proper maintenance of fire protection systems, regular inspections, and staff preparedness are essential to ensure these buildings remain safe and compliant with regulations such as the Fire Services Act 1988 [1][2].

This article discusses why fire safety measures must be continuously maintained and supported by public education, robust frameworks, and periodic system reviews. It explores existing challenges in Malaysia and emphasises the need for a proactive and holistic approach to ensure safety in all building types.

1. 1. 1. 1. Legal Compliance and System Oversight
            
            The foundation of fire safety management in Malaysia is established under the Fire Services Act 1988, which mandates that all buildings be equipped with functional fire protection systems, including alarms, extinguishers, and clear evacuation routes [1]. The Act further obligates owners to perform routine checks and obtain Fire Certificates.
            
            

            However, in practice, enforcement and maintenance of fire protection systems can vary across facilities. For instance, some public hospitals face challenges such as older systems, complex management responsibilities, and limited staff training [3]. Addressing these factors is essential to ensure that all equipment remains fully functional and effective during emergencies.

         2. Awareness and Behavioural Preparedness
            
            Effective fire safety involves more than infrastructure, it requires an informed public. While general awareness of fire risks exists among Malaysians, practical skills such as using fire extinguishers or following evacuation procedures may need reinforcement [4]. Similarly, residents in high-rise buildings may benefit from additional guidance to fully understand and utilise available fire prevention systems [2].
            
            

            Regular educational campaigns, fire drills, and visual guides are important tools to strengthen preparedness. Even in institutions with ongoing safety programs, repeated engagement and hands-on training ideally conducted at least biannually help ensure that occupants remain familiar with escape routes and emergency procedures [5].

         3. Safety in Complex and Heritage Structures
            
            Different building typologies face unique fire safety challenges. For example, in some high-rise residences or commercial buildings, emergency exits were often blocked, poorly marked, or inaccessible due to structural flaws or neglect [6]. Similarly, heritage and older buildings in Malaysia may face challenges in incorporating modern fire safety upgrades because of conservation requirements, legacy layouts, or budgetary considerations [7].
            
            

            These settings require tailored maintenance strategies that balance safety, functionality, and preservation. Practical solutions include retrofitting concealed fire suppression systems, improving signage and egress routes, and conducting regular inspections to ensure all fire safety measures are effectively operational.

         4. Systematic Management and Institutional Commitment
            
            Effective implementation of evacuation strategies in high-rise buildings can be challenged by factors such as obstructed exits, inoperative alarms, or limited staff coordination, which may stem from gaps in maintenance routines [8]. Similar challenges can be observed in university residential colleges, where inspections or signage updates may not always be timely [9].
            
            In order to overcome the lack of systematic fire safety routines in buildings, fire safety management plan needs to be done, with a particular emphasis on frequent audits, leadership accountability, and risk mitigation plans [10]. Still, institutional inertia and budget constraints often limit implementation. Building management should issue maintenance guidelines to address these issues, with a particular focus on personnel training, consistent checklists, and clear maintenance schedules [11].
            
            
         5. Bridging the Implementation Gap
            
            While plans and policies may exist, their real-world execution is often fragmented, especially with regards to implementation in heritage buildings [12]. Ensuring that procedures are consistently followed highlights the importance of interdepartmental coordination and adequate resource allocation.
            
            

            To address the implementation gap, building stakeholders should conduct fire safety audits quarterly, maintain logbooks for equipment testing and maintenance, regularly train maintenance staff and occupants and fully integrate fire safety aspects during early design or renovation stages.