Kuala lumpur: A total of 2,001 factory fire cases with losses amounting to RM4.21 billion have been recorded over the past six years, said the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, he stated that 222 cases were recorded as of June this year, indicating that the risk of industrial fires still requires serious attention from all parties. He emphasized that the JBPM will continue to strengthen fire safety enforcement in industrial premises and expand water safety education to reduce disaster risks and protect lives and property.

"Fire safety in industrial premises is no longer just a matter of legal compliance, but has become an important factor in ensuring worker safety, the continuity of industrial operations, and the stability of the national economy," he said.

To enhance compliance with fire safety standards, the JBPM has increased industrial premises inspection activities. A total of 1,878 factory premises were inspected in 2025, compared to 1,563 the previous year. The number of premises issued with Fire Hazard Elimination Notices (MBK) rose from 706 in 2024 to 1,191 in 2025.

For the first six months of this year, Nor Hisham reported that 945 factory premises inspections were conducted with 637 MBK issued. The inspections identified 426 fire hazard cases, and 16 premises were found to have failed to comply with the issued notices.

In efforts to strengthen the culture of water safety, JBPM has recorded positive developments through the nationwide Swimming Literacy Programme. A total of 10,542 participants have been trained throughout 2026, aiming toward a target of 50,000 participants by 2030. "That achievement proves the very encouraging response from the community towards efforts to enhance knowledge and basic water safety skills as a step to reduce the risk of drowning deaths," he added.