What is MS 1073?
MS 1073 : Part 3 : 1996 (AMD.1 : 2003) is the Malaysian Standard that defines the fire resistance test method for building elements. It applies to doors, windows, partitions and glazing systems in buildings required to achieve fire resistance under the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and Fire Services Act 1988.
When a specifier asks for fire-rated glass in Malaysia, they are referring to a glazing system tested to MS 1073 and certified by SIRIM QAS International. The standard is administered by the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and is the primary compliance pathway for fire-resisting construction in the country.
What Does MS 1073 Test?
MS 1073 measures three distinct performance criteria, expressed as an EI rating. A compliant element must maintain all applicable criteria for the duration of its specified rating:
Integrity (E)
The ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases. For glazing, this means the glass and seals must not crack or fail in a way that allows flame penetration. Marked as E60 or E120.
Insulation (I)
The ability to limit temperature rise on the non-fire side. The unexposed face must not exceed an average temperature rise of 140°C or a maximum of 180°C at any point. Marked as I60 or I120.
Radiation (Optional W)
Some systems may also be tested for radiation heat transfer (W rating), limiting the radiant heat flux on the unexposed side. This is required for certain high-risk applications under Bomba guidelines.
What is the EI Rating System?
The EI rating is the international standard format for expressing fire resistance, adopted by MS 1073 and aligned with EN 1363. It is expressed as Integrity / Insulation in minutes. For example, a rating of EI60 means:
- E60 — 60 minutes of integrity (prevention of flame passage)
- I60 — 60 minutes of insulation (temperature control on the safe side)
For fire-rated glazing in Malaysia, the most common ratings are EI60 and EI120, corresponding to 1-hour and 2-hour fire resistance respectively. These ratings are specified by Bomba based on building type, compartmentation requirements and escape route protection.
| EI Rating | Meaning | Typical Use in Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| E30 | 30 min integrity, no insulation | Smoke barriers, low-risk partitions |
| EI30 | 30 min integrity + 30 min insulation | Small fire door vision panels |
| EI60 | 60 min integrity + 60 min insulation | Standard fire doors, office partitions |
| EI90 | 90 min integrity + 90 min insulation | Healthcare corridors, stairwells |
| EI120 | 120 min integrity + 120 min insulation | High-rise escape paths, critical infrastructure |
| EI180 | 180 min integrity + 180 min insulation | Special hazard areas, data centres |
MS 1073 Requirements for Fire-Rated Glazing
Glass alone is never certified. MS 1073 tests a complete glazing system comprising the glass, framing, fixings, intumescent seals, perimeter seals and installation method. If any component is substituted, the EI rating no longer applies.
Key Requirements
- SIRIM QAS Product Certification: The supplier must hold a valid SIRIM QAS Product Certification Licence (e.g. PC015223, PC015222) confirming the product has been tested by a SIRIM-accredited laboratory to MS 1073.
- Bomba Fire Safety Certificate (FSC): For most commercial and high-rise buildings, Bomba requires a Fire Safety Certificate confirming that the installed fire protection systems, including glazing, meet the approved fire safety scheme.
- CIDB Registration: The installer must be registered with CIDB and hold the appropriate grade for fire protection works. CIDB may inspect installation quality during project handover.
- Installation compliance: Installation must follow the documented method in the SIRIM test report. Any deviation, including anchor spacing or sealant type, invalidates compliance.
- Maximum panel sizes: The test report specifies maximum glass dimensions for each EI rating. Exceeding these dimensions without re-testing is non-compliant.
MS 1073 Fire Glass Specifications Quick Reference
| Application | Typical EI Rating | Max Panel | PyroSpec Product | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single leaf fire door vision panel | EI60 to EI120 | 1.2m x 2.1m | PS-FR Single Leaf Vision | SIRIM PC015223 |
| Double leaf fire door vision panel | EI60 to EI120 | 1.5m x 2.4m | PS-FR Double Leaf Vision | SIRIM PC015222 |
| Fire window (external) | EI60 to EI90 | 1.8m x 2.4m | PS-FR Window System | SIRIM, Bomba |
| Fire partition (internal) | EI60 to EI120 | 3.0m x 3.0m | PS-FR Partition | SIRIM |
| Smoke barrier | E30 | 2.5m x 3.0m | PS-Smoke Guard | SIRIM |
| Healthcare corridor glazing | EI90 | 1.5m x 2.7m | PS-FR Healthcare | SIRIM, Bomba |
SIRIM QAS Certification Explained
SIRIM QAS International is Malaysia's leading certification body. A SIRIM Product Certification Licence is the gold standard for fire-rated products in Malaysia. It means the product has been:
- Tested by a SIRIM-accredited laboratory to MS 1073
- Subjected to factory production control audits
- Verified for ongoing consistency through surveillance visits
- Listed in the SIRIM product directory for public verification
PyroSpec fire-rated glazing systems hold SIRIM QAS Product Certification Licences PC015223 and PC015222, covering single leaf and double leaf fire door glazing assemblies. These licences are active and subject to annual surveillance audits.
Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia) Approval
Under the Fire Services Act 1988 (Act 341) and the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984, Bomba has the authority to approve fire safety schemes for all buildings in Malaysia. For fire-rated glazing, Bomba approval involves:
- Plan Approval Stage: Bomba reviews architectural and fire safety drawings to confirm that specified glazing meets the required EI ratings for compartment boundaries and escape routes.
- Fire Safety Certificate (FSC): Upon completion, Bomba inspects the installed glazing to verify it matches the approved scheme. The FSC is required for building occupancy.
- Fire Safety Statement: Annual renewal requires evidence that fire-rated elements, including glazing, remain in compliant condition.
PyroSpec provides complete Bomba submission packages including SIRIM test reports, product certification, installation details and compliance declarations to streamline plan approval and FSC acquisition.
CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Requirements
CIDB regulates construction quality and contractor registration in Malaysia. For fire-rated glazing installation, CIDB requirements include:
- Contractor Registration: The installing contractor must be registered with CIDB under the appropriate trade category (e.g. Fire Protection Works) and hold a sufficient grade for the project value.
- Competent Personnel: CIDB requires that installation be supervised by competent personnel trained in the specific fire-rated glazing system being installed.
- Quality Documentation: Project handover must include material test reports, installation records, and as-built drawings showing fire-rated glazing locations and ratings.
- Building Information Modelling (BIM): For G7 contractors and public projects, CIDB encourages BIM compliance, including fire-rated element tagging in the digital model.
How to Achieve Full Compliance in Malaysia
Identify EI rating requirement from UBBL / Bomba
Determine the required EI rating from the Uniform Building By-Laws and Bomba fire safety scheme based on building type, fire compartment boundaries and type of construction.
Select a SIRIM-certified glazing system
Choose a glass + framing system combination that holds an active SIRIM QAS Product Certification Licence for the required EI rating. Verify the licence covers your intended panel size and application.
Verify framing and installation compliance
Ensure the specified frame, fixings, seals and installation method match the SIRIM test report exactly. Substitutions void compliance and may lead to Bomba rejection.
Obtain complete certification documentation
Request the SIRIM test report, Product Certification Licence, installation instructions, Bomba FSC application package and CIDB compliance documents from your supplier.
Why Malaysian Projects Choose PyroSpec
SIRIM QAS Certified
Active Product Certification Licences PC015223 and PC015222. Complete traceability from batch number to SIRIM-accredited test configuration under MS 1073.
Bomba Submission Ready
We provide complete Bomba Fire Safety Certificate application packages including test reports, certification evidence and compliance declarations.
Matched Framing Solutions
We supply the frame, seals, hardware and installation details that correspond exactly to the SIRIM test report. No guesswork for your certifier or Bomba inspector.
Malaysian Project Experience
Supply history across commercial towers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and industrial projects in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and across Malaysia.
Related Standards
Fire-rated glazing standards vary by region. If your project spans multiple jurisdictions or you need to compare requirements, explore our compliance guides for other major standards:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MS 1073 and why does it matter for fire-rated glass in Malaysia?
MS 1073 : Part 3 : 1996 (AMD.1 : 2003) is the Malaysian Standard that specifies the fire resistance test method for building elements including doors, windows and glazing systems. It is the reference standard for Bomba approval and SIRIM QAS product certification. Any fire-rated glazing installed in Malaysian buildings must demonstrate compliance with MS 1073 through accredited testing.
What is the difference between SIRIM certification and Bomba approval?
SIRIM QAS certification is a product-level quality assurance scheme. It confirms that the fire-rated glass product has been tested by a SIRIM-accredited laboratory and meets MS 1073 requirements consistently. Bomba approval is a project-level fire safety endorsement required under the Fire Services Act 1988. For most commercial and high-rise projects, you need both: SIRIM-certified products installed in a Bomba-approved fire protection scheme.
Can I use fire glass from overseas that does not have SIRIM certification?
Overseas fire glass can be used in Malaysia if it undergoes SIRIM QAS certification or equivalent recognition. PyroSpec fire-rated glazing systems are SIRIM QAS certified under Product Certification Licence PC015223 and PC015222, meaning they have been tested by SIRIM-accredited laboratories and meet MS 1073 requirements. Without SIRIM certification, Bomba may reject the product during plan approval or fire safety inspection.
What documents do I need to satisfy Bomba and CIDB?
You need the SIRIM QAS Product Certification Licence, the MS 1073 test report from a SIRIM-accredited laboratory, installation instructions from the glazing system supplier, the Bomba Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) application package, and CIDB registration documentation for the installer. PyroSpec provides a complete compliance package including all of the above for Malaysian projects.
How do I specify fire glass in my UBBL compliance report?
Reference the glazing system by its tested EI rating, cite the SIRIM test report number and Product Certification Licence (e.g. PyroSpec PS-FR Single Leaf Vision, SIRIM PC015223), and attach installation instructions. Specify that installation must follow the tested method without substitution and that the installer is CIDB-registered for fire protection works.
What is the maximum size for fire-rated glass panels under MS 1073?
Maximum panel size depends on the specific EI rating achieved and the tested system configuration. For a typical EI60 rating, many systems allow vision panels up to approximately 1.2m x 2.1m for single leaf doors and up to 1.5m x 2.4m for fixed glazing. For EI120, sizes are typically more restricted. Always request the supplier's test report limitations table and ensure your design falls within the certified dimensions.
How does MS 1073 relate to international standards like EN 1363 or BS 476?
MS 1073 is technically aligned with BS 476 and EN 1363 in terms of furnace test methodology and performance criteria. However, SIRIM QAS certification is specifically required for Malaysian market acceptance. A product tested to EN 1363 or BS 476 may still need SIRIM recognition or additional local testing to achieve Bomba approval in Malaysia. PyroSpec systems are tested and certified under both international and SIRIM schemes.
Does PyroSpec supply framing systems that match the MS 1073 test reports?
Yes. PyroSpec supplies matched framing systems, hardware, intumescent seals and installation details that correspond directly to SIRIM-accredited test configurations under MS 1073. This ensures your Bomba submission and CIDB compliance documentation are complete and traceable.
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