Fire safety condition assessments at cinema buildings in Klang Valley
List of Authors
  • Adnin Syaza Jaafar, Harisah Muhammad, Muhammad Anas Othman, Noraidawati Jaffar, Norakmarwati Ishak, Norsyazwana Jenuwa, Nur’Ain Ismail

Keyword
  • Fire, Fire Safety, Cinema, Klang Valley

Abstract
  • Cinemas, typically housing 150 to 250 seats per hall, are popular venues for watching movies. However, the high seating capacity can lead to overcrowding, which is concerning during fire incidents. As cinema buildings become more complex, an effective fire protection system becomes even more critical. One key aspect to consider is compliance with fire safety regulations and guidelines. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the fire protection system in cinemas is available and functional. This paper aims to assess Klang Valley Cinemas' fire safety system conditions. A qualitative approach was used in this study. Data was collected through a walkthrough audit with a checklist at four cinemas in Klang Valley. The results of this research will be presented as a cross-case analysis to reveal the current state of fire safety in cinemas. To maintain privacy and confidentiality, the cinemas are referred to as Cinema A, Cinema B, Cinema C, and Cinema D. Based on observations and the table above, there are variations in compliance and safety standards among the four cinemas. Cinemas A, C, and D generally conform to fire safety measures, whereas Cinema B shows significant deficiencies, particularly in portable fire extinguishers and emergency exit signs. There is no portable extinguisher available in the cinema. The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and strict adherence to fire safety regulations to ensure the well-being of cinema occupants.

Reference
  • 1. Abdullah, A., Nugraha, W., & Kusno. (2022). Fire Hazard Prevention and Protection Through Active Protection System. Airman: Jurnal Teknik Dan Keselamatan Transportasi, 5(2), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.46509/ajtk.v5i2.293

    2. Department of Statistics Malaysia. (2021). Number of Fire Breakouts in Building by Type of Building Malaysia. Department of Statistics Malaysia. https://www.data.gov.my/data/dataset/number-of-fire-breakouts-in- building-by-type-of-building-malaysia

    3. Jaafar, A. S. (2024). Enhancing Fire Safety Regulations for Malaysian Student Hostels; Effective Means of Escape. Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Perak.

    4. Jaafar, A. S., Abdul Talib, Y., Othman, M. A., Ishak, N., Jaafar, N., Ismail, N. A., & Nasaruddin, M. A. E. (2023). Recommendation on Safe Means of Escape at Hospital Buildings: Users' Perspective. International Journal of Business and Technology Management. https://doi.org/10.55057/ijbtm.2023.5.s2.29

    5. Khalil, E. E., & Toulan, Y. (2022, January 3). Numerical Investigations of Smoke Management System in a Movie Theatre. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1634

    6. Kim, C. B. (2015). Cinema in Kulaijaya catches fire. New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/cinema-kulaijaya-catches-fire

    7. Marantika, G. F., Rohman, M. A., Rachmawati, F., & Wiguna, I. P. A. (2020). Identification of fire safety indicators for shopping centre buildings in Surabaya. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 930(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/930/1/012009

    8. Merriam, S. B. (2001). Qualitative Research and Case Study Applications in Education (Second). Jossey-Bass.

    9. Muhammad, H., Jenuwa, N., & Jaafar, A. S. (2023). Fire Safety System At Cinema In Klang Valley.

    10. Ramezani, M., Jadidi, A. M., & Rafee, R. (2022). Investigating the Effects of Loung Chair Fire in a Cinema Hall Using Displacement, Impingement Jet and Stratum Ventilation Systems. Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering Amirkabir J. Mech. Eng, 53(11), 1397–1400. https://doi.org/10.22060/mej.2021.19681.7089

    11. Sutton, I. (2017). Firefighting. In Plant Design and Operations (pp. 353–379). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812883-1.00012-7

    12. Teruki, E. G. (2022). Overview Amendment UBBL 2021 . In Seminar on Uniform Building By-Law 1984 (Amendment 2021).

    13. The Star. (2011). Small fire at Mid Valley GSC cinema. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2011/11/01/small-fire-at-mid- valley-gsc-cinema/

    14. Uniform Building (Amendment) By-Laws. (2021). Uniform Building By-Law 1984 (Legal Research Board, Ed.). International Law Book Services.

    15. Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Application Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications