Blocked fire hydrants caused by piles of wood, soil, flower pots, cement structures and other obstructions can seriously disrupt firefighting operations and put lives at risk, according to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
JBPM deputy director-general (Operations) Nordin Pauzi said hydrants that are covered, hidden, fenced off, damaged or difficult to access can delay firefighters from obtaining a water supply during emergencies.
He said common obstructions include rubbish, timber, soil, sand, canvas, metal, tar, flower pots, walls, fences, tyres, barrels, stockpiles of goods and other permanent structures built around hydrants.
“Construction activities such as road resurfacing, earthworks, building projects, renovations and utility works carried out near fire hydrants can also affect access and functionality.
“Under Section 23 of the Fire Services Act 1988, anyone carrying out such works must notify the relevant State Fire Director in writing and ensure the hydrant remains in proper working condition once the work is completed,” he said.
Nordin said JBPM records showed there were 360,858 public fire hydrants nationwide as of May this year.
He stressed that obstructed hydrants could slow down firefighting efforts, increasing the risk of fires spreading, endangering victims and firefighters, and causing greater property losses.
“Fire hydrants are the primary source of water during firefighting operations. If they are blocked, damaged or difficult to locate, rescue operations can be significantly affected,” he added.
He explained that the placement of fire hydrants in residential areas, commercial premises, factories, villages and new developments follows the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984.
Under the technical requirements, every building must have at least one fire hydrant located within 30 metres of a fire engine access point, while the distance between hydrants should not exceed 90 metres, depending on the building size and site requirements.
According to JBPM records, 6,073 cases of damaged public fire hydrants were identified between January and May this year, including hydrants buried under tar, soil or sand, leaking hydrants, broken pillars, damaged spindle valves and units that were no longer functional.
Nordin said JBPM conducts inspections on public fire hydrants at least once a year, including testing, cleaning, repainting, repairs and routine monitoring to ensure they remain operational during emergencies.
He added that 163,366 public fire hydrants had been inspected as of May, while JBPM also works closely with water authorities, local councils, developers and local communities through initiatives such as the Teman Pili Bomba programme.
Nordin reminded property owners and building management to ensure fire hydrants remain unobstructed, accessible and in good working condition, warning that enforcement action, including compounds, may be taken against those who fail to comply as such negligence could threaten public safety.
