A comprehensive risk evaluation of the See Hua Daily News Sdn Bhd printing facility at Lot 1125, Section 66, Jalan Kemajuan, Pending Industrial Estate, Kuching — prepared by KTS Risk Management Sdn Bhd.
A safety survey of See Hua Daily News Sdn Bhd was carried out on 13 May 2026 by Mr Jeffry Anthony and Mr Arthur Isaac Moses of KTS Risk Management Sdn Bhd. En Mohd Mazlan Abdullah and his assistant served as primary contacts, while Mr Ngu Leong Chie was away at the time. Briefing sessions were held before and after the inspection to discuss the current status of the property, approximately one year after the previous survey.
The company publishes three daily newspapers — See Hua Daily News, Borneo Post, and Utusan Borneo. Currently only one news printing line is in active operation. The second printing line is intact but idle due to reduced print volumes, and the commercial printing line has been out of operation for approximately five years.
Distributed to: Dato (Dr.) Henry Lau, Mdm Phyllis Wong, Mr. Ngu Leong Che, Mr. Mohd Mazlan Abdullah, Mr. Wong Kee Choon.
The premises are flanked by occupancies presenting varying degrees of external fire and liability exposure. The surrounding profile is predominantly industrial, with one high-rated neighbour of note.
Aik Beng Oil Mill Sdn Bhd — industrial warehouse and light manufacturing cluster. The oil mill constitutes the most significant external fire exposure.
High ExposureCommercial or light industrial occupancy presenting a meaningful external fire hazard to the facility.
Moderate–HighMixed cluster of older industrial and workshop-type structures completing the surrounding exposure profile.
ModerateEach area within the facility was assessed and assigned a fire potential/exposure rating based on conditions observed at the time of the survey.
Access roads are wide enough for emergency vehicles. Compound is open and uncluttered. No build-up of combustible materials in external passageways. Good accessibility for BOMBA.
Office areas are in good order with functional layout. Located close to printing and production areas, creating some cross-exposure risk. Only one fire extinguisher at the main door observed — no visible fire detection or suppression devices inside the office. Separation between office and industrial sections is noted as well-defined.
Main operational risk on site. Long rows of machinery with inks, solvents, and other flammable materials. Floor markings indicate some housekeeping discipline, but the open mix of electrical cabling and combustibles means fire could spread rapidly once ignited.
Cluttered workbenches and equipment in close proximity. Offset processes use inks and cleaning solvents — both flammable. Narrow aisle spacing and dense material arrangement compound the risk. Warrants close attention during fire safety audits.
Large number of Shell Tellus hydraulic oil drums stored in rows. Drums are orderly and systematically arranged (positive). Flash point 180–220°C — won't ignite at ambient temps but can under the right conditions. Requires adequate ventilation, spill containment, and clear hazard signage.
Highest fire risk area on the entire premises. Paper bales stacked directly on the floor across a wide area. A fire here could become severe, long-lasting, and extremely difficult to control — worst-case scenario is total building loss. Note: volume of bales at survey time was relatively low, somewhat reducing immediate risk.
Mechanical work activities conducted alongside stored hydraulic oil drums. Small and enclosed space — heat and fumes can build up quickly. Significant ignition risk despite the workshop serving only a maintenance support role.
Used mainly for storage — metal shelving, cabinets, old documents. Not heavily loaded, which is positive. Risk of gradual accumulation of materials over time. Emergency evacuation routes from upper floors must be clearly addressed in the Emergency Response Plan.
The organisation has established a Safety and Health Committee, carried out inspections of fire protection systems, checked portable extinguishers, reviewed generator readiness, and assessed compound conditions. The OSH Committee meeting held on 10 April 2026 confirmed the appointment of Mr Mohd Mazlan Bin Abdullah as Safety and Health Officer, assisted by Mr Douglas Alex.
While the meeting reflected continuity in leadership and accountability, discussion was largely limited to officer appointments and equipment condition. Future meetings should adopt a broader agenda to strengthen proactive risk management across the site.
The facility operates an integrated fire protection system including private firewater pumps, public hydrants, hose reels, and portable extinguishers. Pumps and tanks are operational; the fire alarm panel has critical faults requiring urgent attention.
Electric and diesel pump systems confirmed in good working order during testing. Firewater pumps on top floor; diesel/electric pumps on 3rd floor drawing from a 24,000-gallon tank. Signals linked to MAFP at reception. Note: booster pump signals not detected at main panel.
Signal IssueTwo public hydrants positioned approximately 6 feet from the building — one at the front, one at the left wing. Readily accessible water sources for firefighting operations.
OperationalAll 11 hose reels physically operational. However, some rubber hoses and joints show signs of wear and require replacement. Some zones show no indication on the fire alarm system — a notable shortcoming.
Wear NotedZone 3: no fault indication displayed. Zone 4: blank. Zone 7: lobby panel has been faulty for an extended period — management is aware but issue unresolved. Alarm signal integrity is compromised across multiple zones.
Faulty — UrgentWater level, supply valves, ball valves, drain pipes, corrosion, and paintwork all inspected and found in good condition. No issues noted.
Good Condition21 units recorded. Main expiry cluster: 2 December 2026. 2 units (Canteen, Waste Cage) have missing serial numbers and expiry records.
Weekly checks are being carried out consistently, with all critical items passing. Preventive maintenance at the 6-month and yearly intervals is partially completed. One gap identified.
Housekeeping standards vary significantly across the facility. Office and upper floors are well-maintained with clear floor surfaces and organised furnishings. The Offset area is tidy with organised workstations.
In contrast, industrial and storage sections — printing lines, material store, and mini workshop — are functional but show room for improvement. Floor staining, scattered debris, moisture, and cluttered secondary material zones are noted. Clear pathways need more consistent attention. Surrounding passageways are free from major obstructions, though normal weathering and some water pooling are observed externally.
The facility is fully fenced with two gates. Four security guards operate in three rotating shifts, with two on duty during the night shift (2300–0700). Entry requires a security check at the main gate. CCTV cameras are installed with footage stored in the manager's office. The chain-link fencing on the right side has been cleared of vegetation. Upper floor rooms are kept locked to prevent unauthorised access.
The following six recommendations were raised following the survey on 13 May 2026. All are classified as new items for this cycle.
Stakeholders are requested to indicate their response to each recommendation, provide a target completion date, and sign off below. Once completed, dispatch via WhatsApp to the KTS Risk Management team.
By signing below, the authorised representative acknowledges receipt of this report and confirms the accuracy of the compliance responses provided above.