A Malaysia-focused guide to Bomba approvals, Fire Certificates for designated premises, and how CCC (which replaced CFO in 2007) ties into practical handover and VP.
Building & Fire Safety Approvals: Bomba, CCC (ex-CFO) & Practical Handover
Quick take: In Malaysia, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba/JBPM) oversees fire safety compliance and Fire Certificates for designated premises, while the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC)—which replaced the old Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CFO) in 2007—governs when a building can be legally occupied. Knowing how these fit together protects your timeline, financing and vacant possession (VP) milestones.
What approvals do you actually need?
- Design & Construction Stage: Building plans per Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL 1984) including fire provisions; Bomba input/clearances as required by by-laws and practice.
- Before Occupation: CCC issued by the Principal Submitting Person (PSP: Architect/PE/registered building draughtsman within limits) once statutory conditions and Form Gs are satisfied. CCC replaced CFO in April 2007.
- Ongoing Operation (certain buildings): Fire Certificate (FC) from Bomba for designated premises; FC must be obtained/renewed and kept valid.
CCC vs CFO — what changed?
CCC is a self-certification regime introduced by the Street, Drainage and Building (Amendment) Act 2007 and UBBL amendments, effective 12 April 2007. It shifted issuance from the Local Authority (under the old CFO regime) to the PSP, with authorities empowered to audit/stop issuance if requirements aren’t met.
Bomba’s role across the lifecycle
- Design: Fire safety provisions must comply with UBBL parts on fire requirements and fire alarm/extinguishment/access (e.g., Part VII & Part VIII), plus any updated state by-laws/practice notes.
- Before operation: If your premises fall under “designated premises,” an FC is required under the Fire Services Act 1988 and associated regulations.
Fire Certificate (FC): who needs it?
Under the Fire Services Act 1988, designated premises (certain higher-risk occupancies) must hold a valid FC issued by Bomba. Operating or making material changes without complying can be an offence. Check whether your factory, mall, hospital, hotel or other complex falls into the designated category and plan renewal cycles.
Partial CCC (Form F1) vs full CCC (Form F)
Form F (full CCC) certifies the whole building is complete and compliant. Form F1 (Partial CCC) allows specified portions (e.g., a mall podium ahead of a residential tower) to be certified in phases—but it does not replace the need for the full CCC for the overall development.
Practical handover & VP: what’s acceptable?
For housing developments under HDA Schedule H, the Federal Court has clarified that VP requires a full CCC (not merely a partial CCC). Commercial/industrial projects outside HDA rely on contract terms, but most financiers and buyers still insist on the relevant CCC before handover.
Sequence that keeps you on time
- Confirm applicable UBBL fire requirements during design; lock in Bomba-related submissions/endorsements.
- Track Form G sign-offs during construction; rectify non-conformities early so the PSP can safely issue CCC.
- For designated premises, prepare FC documentation (Fire Safety Report, organization, drills) to smooth Bomba inspection/issuance.
- Issue CCC (Form F) for VP/financing drawdown; use Form F1 only for clearly demarcated phases where contractually allowed.
- Post-handover: put the building on an FC renewal calendar (where applicable) and maintain systems to standard.
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Relying on partial CCC for VP: May fail for Schedule H projects—seek full CCC to avoid disputes.
- “Designated premises” oversight: Missing FC obligations exposes owners/tenants to enforcement risk—confirm early.
- Late Form Gs and missing test reports: Build a Form G tracker; schedule commissioning and integrated testing windows.
- Spec changes post-approval: Material changes can trigger fresh Bomba notifications/clearances—plan value-engineering carefully.
Investor’s quick checklist
- Is the project under HDA? If yes, insist on full CCC for VP.
- Are premises “designated” for FC? Who will obtain and renew the FC?
- Request the CCC pack (Form F, Form G list, as-builts, test reports).
- Verify firefighting systems (hose reels, hydrants, sprinklers, alarms) are commissioned and tagged.
- For phased assets (e.g., strata industrial), confirm what’s under Form F1 vs Form F and your rights to occupy.
FAQs
Is CFO still used? No. CCC replaced the old CFO in 2007.
Who issues the CCC? The PSP (Architect/PE/qualified draughtsman within scope) issues CCC, with authorities empowered to audit/stop if non-compliance is found.
Do all buildings need a Fire Certificate? Only designated premises under the Fire Services Act 1988. Others must still comply with UBBL fire provisions but may not require an FC.
Can I get VP on Partial CCC? For HDA residential, Federal Court says VP requires full CCC. For non-HDA, check SPA/financier requirements.
