KUALA LUMPUR – Seputeh MP Teresa Kok has urged Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to launch a comprehensive fire-safety awareness campaign across all buildings in the capital following a fatal condominium fire in Mont Kiara.
Teresa, in a statement today, extended her condolences to the family of the man who died in the blaze and expressed concern over findings that the building’s fire-prevention system was not functioning properly.
She said JBPM’s report that firefighters faced significant challenges due to malfunctioning safety systems was “deeply troubling and places thousands of residents in high-rise buildings across Kuala Lumpur at risk.”
The call comes after a fire broke out on the 26th floor of the Tiffani Kiara condominium in Mont Kiara on Tuesday night. Firefighters found a male victim on the balcony with fatal burns, while the 1,500-sq-ft unit was completely destroyed.
JBPM said the building’s fire-prevention system had failed, forcing rescuers to rely on portable pumps and engine-mounted pumps to channel water up to the burning unit.
The blaze was extinguished at about 2.03am, and the cause of the fire is now under investigation by the department’s forensic unit.
Teresa called on DBKL to order developers, Joint Management Bodies (JMB) and Management Corporations (MC) to submit fire-safety compliance reports within a set timeframe.
“DBKL must take firm action against any building management that fails to maintain fire-safety systems in accordance with the law,” she said.
She also urged JBPM to intensify fire-safety education programmes, particularly for residents of condominiums, apartments and People’s Housing Projects (PPR), and recommended that the department conduct random spot checks on high-risk buildings.
“JBPM should step up its education efforts and carry out random audits on buildings that pose higher risks,” she said.
“Fire safety is not merely a technical matter but a question of public awareness. Without collective responsibility, even sophisticated safety features cannot save lives,” she added, urging agencies and building managers to work together to prevent future tragedies.
“Two weeks ago, the world was shocked by a major fire involving eight blocks of condominiums in Hong Kong, which claimed many lives. These incidents serve as a clear reminder that fires in high-rise buildings can be deadly if fire prevention continues to be neglected,” she said.
For context, the Hong Kong incident referenced by Teresa involved a fast-spreading fire at a large residential complex, affecting eight blocks and prompting a massive emergency response.
It was reported that the blaze resulted in multiple fatalities (approximately 159 individuals) and renewed concerns in Hong Kong about ageing fire-safety infrastructure, evacuation readiness and the maintenance of high-rise buildings — issues that drew international attention and sparked calls for stronger enforcement of safety regulations. - December 11, 2025
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