Avoid bathrooms in a fire, strata residents advised

2026-03-09 - 06:34

Federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh said fire victims can lose consciousness within minutes from inhaling smoke if trapped in a bathroom. PETALING JAYA: Residents of high-density strata buildings have been reminded not to take shelter in bathrooms during a fire. Utusan Malaysia reported federal territories minister Hannah Yeoh as saying that bathrooms have limited ventilation and no escape route if occupants become trapped. “Bathrooms are not safe during a fire. This is what I want to emphasise, because most fire victims die from inhaling smoke. We focus on bathrooms because victims, or bodies, are typically found there. “Bathrooms usually have very limited ventilation. Thick smoke can enter and fill the space quickly, causing victims to lose consciousness within minutes,” she told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur fire and rescue department headquarters. According to statistics, there were 68 cases of fires in strata buildings in 2023, rising to 75 in 2024 and 86 last year. Deaths from being trapped in bathrooms made up three cases in 2024, increasing to five cases in 2025. Yeoh also stressed that building management bodies such as the joint management body (JMB) and management corporation (MC) must take responsibility for the regular maintenance of fire safety systems. “Management bodies are encouraged to work closely with the fire department and can contact them for further guidance. “Residents should also play an active role by reminding and engaging with their JMB or MC to ensure that fire safety systems are maintained regularly,” she added.