With Malaysia’s data centre boom, fire safety has become an urgent priority. The combination of high-voltage equipment and lithium-ion batteries brings heightened risks – from arc flashes to thermal runaway fires that defy conventional extinguishing methods.
While guidelines exist, their non-binding nature leaves a critical gap in regulation. At ENGINEER & MARVEX 2025, this issue was the focal point at the Power Talk Industry session, positioning the exhibition as the right platform to advance the dialogue on safety, awareness, and regulatory clarity in a sector too vital to leave unprotected, namely for high-voltage infrastructure, spanning data centres, electrical substations, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia led the discourse, highlighting their pivotal role in protecting these mission-critical facilities.
“Our priority is to ensure that existing frameworks evolve into comprehensive guidelines that can be applied effectively across industries,” said PgKB Ts. Razali Bin Mohd Nasir, Assistant Director, Department of Fire Safety, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia.”
The presentation broke down those efforts into the key pillars that would form the guidelines,
- Design and Layout – Smart compartmentalisation prevents or contains fires while ensuring evacuation routes and firefighter access are optimised.
- Fire-Resistant Materials – Building with fire-resistant materials is the first line of defence, integrated into design for maximum impact.
- Early Detection Systems – Advanced tools like VESDA detect smoke particles at the earliest stage, buying critical time to prevent escalation.
- Emergency Power Shutdown (EPS) – EPS cuts power to reduce risks, though challenges like stranded energy in BESS highlight the need for more robust safeguards.
- Specialised Fire Suppression – Different fire types require tailored systems, from clean agents to inert gases, ensuring effective containment.
- Staff Training – Human readiness is vital; trained personnel can respond swiftly and correctly during emergencies.
- Regular Maintenance – Routine inspections and preventive care ensure systems remain reliable, updated, and aligned with evolving technologies.
As data centres and BESS continue to power Malaysia’s digital future, safety cannot be left to chance. ENGINEER & MARVEX is where the industry comes together to set the standards, share breakthroughs, and shape the guidelines that will safeguard tomorrow’s infrastructure. Although the exhibition ends today, we will continue to drive this agenda and create pathways and spaces to advanced discussions. Stay tuned to learn what’s in store next year.