MELAKA, April 15- In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is targeting 18,000 homestay premises to be inspected to ensure that owners comply with the set safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

JBPM Director-General, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the number increased compared to last year's target of 17,000 premises. However, JBPM managed to surpass that figure by recording inspections of 19,300 premises throughout last year.

He also informed that the increase in inspections also led to a surge in the trend of renewing fire extinguishers, when one million units of the equipment were successfully sold in 2023.

"As I mentioned, these homestay premises must have fire extinguishers at the most basic level. Although we only inspected 19,000 premises, when we see an increase of one million units of fire extinguishers sold, this gives a clear signal to the industry that we are serious about safety. It shows that awareness is increasing among entrepreneurs," he said.

He said this after officiating the Fire Service Medal Award Ceremony, the 2024 Excellent Service Award, the Certificate of Commendable Service and the 30-Year Service Certificate of the Melaka Fire Department.

Nor Hisham added that although the level of awareness among homestay owners is seen to be improving, periodic inspections will still continue as a preventive measure and safety compliance ahead of VM2026.