Ensure emergency alarm systems in apartments functional, consumer group tells developers, building managements

KUCHING (March 6): The Sarawak Consumer Association (PPS) has urged developers and building managements to take full responsibility for the safety of occupants by ensuring that all emergency alarm systems are in proper working order.

PPS president Dr Wynson Ong said safety systems such as emergency bells, stair lights and other emergency facilities are not just technical requirements but basic protection that can save lives in an emergency.

“Any form of negligence of this aspect is unacceptable,” he said in a statement on Thursday following residents’ complaints about a malfunctioning emergency alarm system at their apartment here.

According to Ong, the apartment’s emergency alarm rang from 11pm to 9am recently due to a fault.

More concerning, he said, was that the alarm could only be heard on the ground floor.

Ong also noted the staircase lights were not functioning, posing serious safety risks in the event of an emergency.

The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has inspected the nine-storey building and identified significant weaknesses in the emergency alarm system.

The department is currently obtaining the floor plan from the developer for further investigation and action.

To improve occupant safety, Ong said the department stressed that emergency bells must be installed on every floor to ensure the alarm is clearly audible to all residents.

Each floor should be equipped with a ‘break the glass’ emergency button so that occupants can activate the warning system in the event of a fire.

“Apartments must have a clear and well-marked assembly point to ensure orderly evacuation during emergencies,” Ong added.

Emphasising that safety is the basic right of every occupant, he said fire safety cannot be taken lightly, especially in Sarawak amid rapid development and the proliferation of new apartments and high-rise residential projects.

Ong urged apartment occupants to ensure that the emergency alarm system on their respective floors is functioning.

“Should there be any security issue that is not properly addressed, the public can submit a complaint to PPS on 017-7109299.

“Preventive action must be taken to protect the lives and safety of all occupants,” he added.