PENANG has become the first state in Malaysia to mandate the screening of official safety videos for hotel guests, as part of a pioneering initiative to strengthen fire and water safety awareness in the hospitality sector.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, speaking at the launch of the Hotel Guest Fire Safety Awareness Programme today, confirmed that the videos — produced by the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) — will now be shown during the check-in process and made available in all guest rooms.
“This is a timely preventive measure for the safety and well-being of all guests,”Bernama reported him saying. “Penang welcomed 8.2 million visitors last year. While this growth is positive, it brings with it new challenges, particularly around water safety and accommodation standards.”
He added that the introduction of mandatory safety briefings would further reinforce Penang’s reputation as “a secure and appealing destination,” and aligns with the state government’s aim to make Penang a leading international tourism hub.
The initiative, the first of its kind in Malaysia, was developed in collaboration with JBPM Penang and local hotel operators. The videos focus on emergency protocols including fire evacuation procedures and water safety measures, particularly for beach areas and swimming pools — both of which have seen repeated incidents in recent years.
Penang JBPM director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah noted that drowning cases remain among the highest emergency calls received, particularly at popular tourist beaches and hotel pools.
“Despite increased awareness, some tourists continue to neglect safety measures. This is a proactive step that puts safety first and helps prevent incidents,” he said. “Penang is the first state in Malaysia to implement such a preventive measure.”
Mohamad Shoki added that the new safety videos will be integrated into standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all hotels across the state. Hotel staff will also receive training to offer additional explanation to guests where necessary.
“This initiative showcases Penang’s leadership in tourism safety and could serve as a model for other states,” he said. “We plan to build on this with the development of a mobile application on water safety, and the introduction of standardised safety protocols for hotels across Penang.”
Also present at the launch were Penang’s Deputy State Police Chief, Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin, and various representatives from the hospitality industry. - September 29, 2025
