May 15, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – Building owners seeking to have their fire extinguishers certified are being deceived by errant contractors who provide fake verification.
These dubious contractors charge commercial property owners almost RM60 to RM150 for every fire extinguisher checked and certified, including gas refills and valve replacements.
However, it has come to light that these contractors use counterfeit stickers to suggest that the extinguishers have received certification and are in proper working condition.
“I am concerned that if a fire occurs, the fire extinguisher bearing a counterfeit sticker may be ineffective,” said a legitimate contractor who wished to be referred to as Kamal.
Kamal, a seasoned contractor in the industry for over a decade, confirmed his familiarity with these counterfeit stickers.
“Maybe these unlicensed contractors find it a hassle to take every fire extinguisher to the fire station for inspection.
“So they try to cut corners, particularly when they observe that the fire extinguisher is still in its original condition.
“I hope severe action is taken against such people because they tarnish the reputation of genuine contractors like me,” added Kamal.
Lee, another contractor, said that he has been working with fire extinguishers for over five years.
His customers are mainly owners of factories, shoplots and high-rise apartments.
Lee, who chose not to reveal his fees, said the cost varies based on the number of fire extinguishers at the property.
In addition to servicing, he also charges separately for the refilling of powder or gas.
He said he has heard of cases where contractors fake certification stickers.
“This can be carried out by individuals who possess the knowledge to service the extinguishers but lack certification or registration with the fire department.
“Previously, they could get away with it because everything was done manually.
“But now that everything is computerised, they are attempting to get around the system by printing their own fake stickers,” he said.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said that the law requires all building premises nationwide to have fire extinguishers certified by the department and maintained in good condition.
To ensure this, he said a private contractor is usually engaged to carry out periodical maintenance and to obtain the department’s certification through its electronic system for fire extinguisher inspections (e-FEIS).
“Each certificate issued by the department has a tracking QR code. However, we have discovered that some errant people have been falsifying this certificate, which is pasted on the fire extinguisher,” he told The Star.
He said the department charges RM5 for each certificate it issues to the private contractor following the extinguisher’s inspection.
“The inspection needs to be done annually,” he said, noting that the life span for an extinguisher is about 10 years.
He said the department has received complaints about the fake stickers from the public.
Fire department personnel have noticed the presence of fake stickers during their inspection rounds.
“We also lodged a police report in Perak at the end of last year.
“There have been arrests, and people have been charged in court.”
Such offences have also been taking place in Selangor, he added.
He said the department had been carrying out awareness programmes to ensure business owners are not cheated.
“We are working with the police to nab those involved in falsifying the certificates,” he said.
Currently, he said, there are 561 contractors recognised by the department who carry out maintenance work for fire extinguishers nationwide.
He urged business owners to be wary of people introducing themselves as representatives from the department or private contractors who approach them to offer their services.
“These days, everything is online. You can check the person’s details via the department’s website at https://efeis.bomba.gov.my,” he added.
He urged business owners to scan the QR code on the sticker to ensure all is proper before paying the service fee to the contractor.
Nor Hisham pointed out that 4,622,501 fire extinguishers were inspected last year compared with 3,198,971 in 2023.
Types of fire extinguishers inspected include dry powder, CO2, water, foam and those that are chemical-based.
“This annual inspection is for extinguishers below 20kg.
“Extinguishers installed in cars or private homes do not require this periodical inspection by the department,” he added.