Kota Kinabalu: A total of 76 hotels across Sabah were inspected under the Statewide Task Force Ops Trigger 2026, resulting in 34 compounds totalling RM4,600 for fire safety offences.
The operation, conducted simultaneously by the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) on Sept 2 from 10am to 3pm, targeted hotels suspected of deliberately isolating, bypassing or switching off their fire alarm systems without valid technical reasons.
The enforcement action was carried out under Section 55 of the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341).
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Director Mohd Pisar Aziz said the operation was not solely aimed at issuing compounds but at ensuring hotel operators took fire safety seriously.
“Safety of occupants and guests is the priority. Fire alarm systems are an important component in providing early warning in an emergency and should not be deactivated without valid technical reasons,” he said.
He warned that intentionally disabling fire alarm systems could compromise early warning capabilities in the event of a fire, increasing risks to hotel occupants and guests.
Pisar said JBPM Sabah was particularly concerned about accommodation premises with high occupancy levels, which posed greater “sleeping risks” to occupants should a fire occur.
He added that the department would continue strengthening enforcement and monitoring at high-risk premises, especially hotels, to ensure compliance with prescribed fire safety standards.
The operation is part of JBPM Sabah’s ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement, improve awareness and ensure hotel management complies with fire safety requirements.
