Class O Fire Rating Malaysia: BOMBA Material Certification Requirements for Buildings and Factories

You're renovating your factory interior. The contractor proposes a wall cladding that looks great and fits the budget. But during the BOMBA inspection for your Fire Certificate renewal, the officer flags the material: "Where's your Sijil Perakuan Bahan for this cladding? Is it Class O rated?" You don't have one. The inspection fails, your Fire Certificate is delayed, and your factory insurance policy has a compliance gap.

This guide explains what Class O fire rating means in Malaysia, where BOMBA requires it, and how non-compliant materials can affect both your Fire Certificate and your insurance coverage.

This guide covers:

• What Class O fire rating actually means under UBBL 1984
• Where Class O materials are required in buildings and factories
• The BOMBA Sijil Perakuan Bahan (Material Certification Certificate)
• Testing standards and how materials get classified
• Insurance implications of using non-compliant materials

What is Class O fire rating in Malaysia?

Class O is a fire performance classification for building materials used in wall linings, ceilings, and internal surface finishes. It's the highest classification for surface materials under the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 (UBBL), which governs fire safety requirements for all buildings in Malaysia.

Class O is not a standalone test standard. It's a composite classification defined by two British Standard tests used in Malaysia:

Requirement	Test Standard	Criteria
Surface spread of flame	BS 476: Part 7	Must achieve Class 1 (highest surface rating)
Fire propagation index	BS 476: Part 6	Index (I) not more than 12, sub-index (i1) not more than 6

A material qualifies as Class O if it either: (a) is composed entirely of materials of limited combustibility, or (b) achieves Class 1 surface spread of flame under BS 476: Part 7 AND meets the fire propagation index limits under BS 476: Part 6. There's no single test that gives you a "Class O certificate." It's determined by the combination of two test results.

Where does UBBL 1984 require Class O materials?

The UBBL specifies where different classes of surface material can be used based on building type, location within the building, and purpose group. Class O is required in the highest-risk locations where fire spread through surface materials would be most dangerous.

Location	Required Rating	Why
Escape routes (corridors, staircases, lobbies)	Class O	Must not contribute to fire during evacuation
Protected shafts (lift lobbies, stairwell enclosures)	Class O	Critical fire compartmentation zones
External wall surfaces (above certain heights)	Class O	Prevents external fire spread between floors
High-risk factory areas (hazardous storage, process zones)	Class O	Higher fire load requires higher material resistance
Ceiling surfaces above large open-plan areas	Class O or Class 1	Fire spreads fastest across ceiling surfaces

For factory owners, the key areas are wall cladding in production zones, ceiling panels, insulation material exposed to interior surfaces, and any decorative finishes in escape corridors. If you're renovating or retrofitting, new materials in these locations must meet the fire rating specified for that zone.

The fire rating classification system in Malaysia

Malaysia's fire rating system for surface materials follows the British Standard framework referenced in UBBL 1984. Here's how the classes compare:

Class	Surface Spread (BS 476: Pt 7)	Fire Propagation (BS 476: Pt 6)	Typical Use
Class O	Class 1	I ≤ 12, i1 ≤ 6	Escape routes, protected shafts, high-risk zones
Class 1	Class 1	Not required	General rooms, corridors (lower-risk buildings)
Class 2	Class 2	Not required	Some internal rooms with lower risk
Class 3	Class 3	Not required	Small rooms under 4m² in certain purpose groups

The critical difference between Class O and Class 1: both require the same surface spread of flame result, but Class O also requires the material to have low fire propagation. A material can achieve Class 1 but still fail Class O if it contributes too much heat to a growing fire.

BOMBA Sijil Perakuan Bahan: material certification

All fire safety installations and materials used in Malaysian buildings must have a Sijil Perakuan Bahan (Material Certification Certificate) issued by JBPM (Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia). This includes Class O rated materials. BOMBA maintains a list of 28 categories of items requiring this certification.

Items that require Sijil Perakuan Bahan include:

Category	Examples
Fire doors (Pintu Rintangan Api)	1-hour and 2-hour rated fire doors
Fire dampers (Sesekat Api)	HVAC duct fire dampers
Fire roller shutters (Gelendung Api)	Industrial roller shutters at fire compartment openings
Class O materials (Bahan-bahan Kelas O)	Wall cladding, ceiling panels, insulation finishes
Bricks and fire-resistant building materials	Fire-rated bricks, intumescent coatings

The certification is issued to the manufacturer or distributor, not to individual projects. When you purchase Class O rated materials, you should receive a copy of the valid Sijil Perakuan Bahan from the supplier. Keep this on file because BOMBA officers will ask for it during inspections.

How to verify a material's BOMBA certification

Before purchasing any fire-rated material for your building or factory, verify the following:

Check	What to Look For
Valid Sijil Perakuan Bahan	Certificate number, validity dates, issuing authority (JBPM)
Test reports	BS 476 Part 6 and Part 7 test results from SIRIM or recognised lab
Test report validity	Must not exceed 5 years from date of test
Product match	Material specs match the tested sample exactly (thickness, composition)

Testing standards and certification process

Materials are tested by SIRIM QAS International or other laboratories recognised by BOMBA. The testing follows BS 476 standards, which are referenced in UBBL 1984. FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) also conducts fire resistance testing for timber-based products.

The certification process

Step	Action	Who
1	Submit material samples for testing at SIRIM or recognised lab	Manufacturer/distributor
2	Lab conducts BS 476 Part 6 and Part 7 tests	SIRIM / accredited lab
3	Apply to BOMBA (Fire Safety Division) with test reports and application letter	Manufacturer/distributor
4	BOMBA reviews test results and may request re-evaluation	JBPM
5	Sijil Perakuan Bahan issued (valid for a set period)	JBPM

The certificate is non-transferable. If the manufacturer changes the material composition, they need to get the product re-tested and re-certified. BOMBA reserves the right to withdraw the certificate if the product no longer meets the tested specifications.

Common materials and their typical fire ratings

Not all materials are equal. Here's a general guide to common building materials and their typical fire performance. Actual ratings depend on the specific product and must be verified by test reports.

Material	Typical Rating	Notes
Calcium silicate board	Non-combustible / Class O	Common for fire-rated partitions and ceilings
Cement-fibre board	Non-combustible / Class O	Used for external cladding and internal linings
Mineral wool insulation	Non-combustible	Check facing material separately
Gypsum board (standard)	Class O (most products)	Verify with specific product test report
Metal composite panel (ACP)	Varies widely	PE core ACPs are NOT Class O. Only mineral/FR core versions may qualify
Polystyrene / EPS insulation	Combustible	Does not meet Class O. Not suitable for areas requiring fire-rated finishes
Timber/plywood (untreated)	Class 3 or worse	Fire-retardant treated timber may achieve Class 1 but rarely Class O

The most dangerous mistake is using polyethylene (PE) core aluminium composite panels (ACPs) where Class O is required. PE core ACPs are highly combustible and have been the cause of rapid fire spread in buildings globally. Only fire-retardant (FR) or mineral core ACPs should be used where Class O compliance is needed.

What happens if you use non-compliant materials

Using materials that don't meet the required fire rating has consequences across compliance, insurance, and liability.

Consequence	Detail
Fire Certificate refusal	BOMBA can refuse to issue or renew your FC if materials don't have valid Sijil Perakuan Bahan
Insurance claim complications	If a fire occurs and non-compliant materials contributed to the loss, insurers may reduce or deny claims under breach of warranty or condition precedent clauses
UBBL enforcement	PBT (local authority) can issue compliance orders for non-conforming building materials
Liability exposure	Building owners who knowingly use sub-standard materials face potential third-party liability if occupants are harmed

The insurance angle is especially important for factory owners. Standard fire insurance policies typically include a condition that the insured premises comply with fire safety regulations. If BOMBA finds non-compliant materials after a fire, the insurer has grounds to dispute the claim. An Industrial All Risks (IAR) policy provides broader coverage, but even IAR policies won't protect you if the non-compliance is a known, pre-existing condition.

Class O requirements for factory renovations

Factory renovations are where Class O compliance is most commonly missed. When you change wall linings, add mezzanine floors, install new ceiling systems, or build partition walls within an existing factory, the new materials must meet the fire rating required for that zone under UBBL.

Renovation Type	Class O Required?	Action
New partition walls along escape corridors	Yes	Use Class O rated board with valid Sijil Perakuan Bahan
Ceiling replacement in production area	Depends on hazard classification	Check UBBL requirements for your purpose group
Wall cladding in warehouse section	Depends on building height and compartment size	Consult architect or fire engineer for determination
Insulation material on exposed surfaces	Yes, if exposed to interior	Concealed insulation may have different requirements

If you're doing renovation works that involve CAR insurance, the insurer and BOMBA will both expect compliant materials. Specify Class O requirements in your renovation contract to ensure the contractor sources certified materials.

Self-assessment checklist

Item	Status
Do you have copies of Sijil Perakuan Bahan for all fire-rated materials in your building?	☐
Are the certificates still within their validity period?	☐
Do the installed materials match the specifications in the test reports?	☐
Were any materials replaced during renovation without checking fire rating?	☐
Are escape route surfaces (walls, ceilings) confirmed as Class O?	☐
Are all ACP panels on your building mineral/FR core (not PE core)?	☐
Is your Fire Certificate current and next renewal date tracked?	☐

FAQ

What does Class O fire rating mean?

Class O is the highest surface material fire classification under UBBL 1984. It means the material achieves Class 1 surface spread of flame (BS 476: Part 7) and has a fire propagation index of no more than 12 with sub-index no more than 6 (BS 476: Part 6). It's required for escape routes, protected shafts, and high-risk zones in buildings.

Is Class O the same as non-combustible?

Not exactly. Non-combustible materials (tested under BS 476: Part 4) automatically meet Class O requirements. But Class O can also be achieved by materials that are technically combustible yet have very low surface spread and propagation characteristics. All non-combustible materials are Class O, but not all Class O materials are non-combustible.

Where can I get materials tested for Class O in Malaysia?

SIRIM QAS International is the primary testing body recognised by BOMBA. FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia) also conducts fire resistance testing for wood-based products. The testing must be done on the specific product you intend to use, not on a generic material type.

Do I need Class O materials throughout my entire factory?

No. Class O is required in specific locations: escape routes, protected shafts, external walls above certain heights, and high-hazard zones. Other areas may allow Class 1 or Class 2 materials depending on the purpose group and building specifications. Check with your architect or fire safety consultant for your specific building.

Can non-compliant materials affect my insurance claim?

Yes. Fire insurance policies typically contain conditions requiring compliance with fire safety regulations. If a fire occurs and the loss adjuster finds that non-compliant materials contributed to the fire spread, the insurer may reduce the claim payout or invoke policy conditions. IAR policies provide broader coverage but the same compliance principle applies.

What is the Sijil Perakuan Bahan and who needs it?

The Sijil Perakuan Bahan is a Material Certification Certificate issued by JBPM (BOMBA) to manufacturers and distributors of fire safety installations and materials. The manufacturer or distributor obtains it. As the building owner, you need to keep copies of the certificates for materials used in your building, as BOMBA officers will ask for them during Fire Certificate inspections.

How long is the Sijil Perakuan Bahan valid?

The validity period is set by BOMBA and linked to the test report validity, which must not exceed 5 years. The certificate must be renewed with updated test reports before expiry. If the material composition changes, re-testing is required regardless of the certificate validity.

Are aluminium composite panels (ACP) Class O rated?

It depends on the core material. PE (polyethylene) core ACPs are combustible and do not meet Class O. Only mineral core or FR (fire retardant) core ACPs may achieve Class O, and only if they've been tested and certified. Always check the specific product's test report and Sijil Perakuan Bahan.

Foundation Conclusion

Class O fire rating compliance isn't just a BOMBA checkbox. It's a material property that directly affects how fast a fire can spread through your building, whether your Fire Certificate gets issued, and whether your insurance claim gets paid.

If you're building, renovating, or simply reviewing your current fire protection, the materials on your walls and ceilings matter more than most people realise. Getting the wrong material can turn a contained incident into a total loss. Fire insurance and IAR are designed to protect you, but they work best when your building meets the standards they're underwritten against.

Talk to our risk specialists about fire and property insurance for your building

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on fire material ratings based on UBBL 1984 and BOMBA requirements as of March 2026. Specific fire rating requirements depend on building type, purpose group, and location within the building. Always consult a qualified fire safety engineer, architect, or BOMBA officer for your specific project before making material selection decisions.