Sungai Lembing Fire Tragedy

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 September 2019 - Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) would like to express concerns on the recent Sungai Lembing fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Merdeka Day. The fire incident in the previous mining town of Sungai Lembing had caused the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of 20 shop houses, 11 terrace houses, and a library - all of which are believed to be about 100 years old.

While relevant authorities are still investigating the source of fire, PAM would like to emphasize the need to upgrade fire and life-safety measures needed for all heritage buildings particularly older buildings which lack critical fire safety features. This is particularly important for timber buildings that are constructed in terraced form or in very close proximity that are deemed to be at risk of rapid fire spread.

Preventive measures such as providing sufficient outdoor hose reels at minimum intervals and any other active systems can prevent untoward incidences to heritage buildings. Upgrading fire-safety with passive measures such as improving fire exit solutions and party walls for higher fire-resistance should also be done to enhance life safety conditions in these old buildings. However, addition of new fire safety protection in historical buildings must also be done with due consideration to preserving the original features and authenticity of these heritage buildings which give character to our historical towns.

To avert life-safety incidents as in Sungai Lembing and other heritage towns that are pursuing increasing tourism development which helps sustain local communities and businesses, PAM urge that local authorities and government tourism development agencies will give equal priority to funding and subsidies to help private owners upgrade safety features of old buildings besides cosmetic enhancements to building facades, decorative lighting and streetscapes, to increase their aesthetic and touristic value.

As the national professional institute representing Architects in Malaysia, PAM calls on relevant authorities, architects, engineers and specifiers to ensure adequate fire safety provisions to heritage buildings or historical towns such as Sungai Lembing and many similar towns in Malaysia. PAM also encourages owners and communities to be trained and taught on the fire safety measures to be taken in emergencies. PAM is in the midst of completing a guideline on fire safety for heritage buildings together with Jabatan Bomba & Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) and other stakeholders. With greater awareness and commitment to improve life-safety in the old buildings in our heritage towns, PAM hopes that such tragedy will not happen again.

Ar. Lillian Tay President, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM)

Ar. Steven Thang Chairman, Heritage & Conservation Committee, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM)