Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said the electrical system at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Baru will be inspected, after it was hit by a second incident in 48 hours.

"The engineering division, Jabatan Bomba, and the concessionaires, are conducting a thorough inspection of the electrical system and other related appliances," said Subramaniam in a statement tonight.

Earlier today, smoke was seen billowing from the operating theatre of the hospital's West Block.

The smoke originated from a socket that came into contact with water, following efforts to clean the area in the wake of yesterday’s fire which killed six people in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

"We will only use the block when it is certified safe after thorough inspection," said Subramaniam.

He also expressed deep appreciation to all of the hospital's staff for their commitment in a difficult time.

"My request to the public to give us the utmost cooperation while we get the services of HSA back to normalcy," he said.

Earlier today, Subramaniam told Parliament that his ministry will assess the fire-safety precautions and readiness in hospitals nationwide.

"The ministry will conduct an audit on fire-preparedness of all hospitals under its purview in stages, beginning with older facilities.

"This is important to prevent a recurrence of the deadly blaze," he said in his adjournment speech in Parliament today.

He said he had also ordered the formation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate yesterday’s tragic incident at the ICU of HSA.

He hoped that the commission would find out what caused the blaze, as well as provide solutions on how to upgrade the fire safety systems in hospitals.

Subramaniam said that his ministry, implementing agencies like the Public Works Department and engaged consultants prioritised safety at all stages, from the drafting of building plans for medical facilities, to their outfitting and certification.

He said they would not allow or certify the occupation of a medical facility until all safety elements were worked out and in place, and all installed systems were certified and operational.

Subramaniam explained that all hospitals also follow strict pre-arranged contingencies and emergency response plans to ensure proper response to emergencies.

He said hospitals are also scheduled for periodic and preventive maintenance to ensure that all equipment and building systems are upgraded from time to time.

In the case of HSA, the maintenance works were outsourced to medical solutions provider Medivest Sdn Bhd, he said.

Medivest was responsible for helping to draft the standard operating procedures as well as emergency response protocols and train the hospital staff in them, he said.

Medivest was also supposed to assist with disaster recovery and continuity of operations for the hospitals, he said.

Subramaniam concluded his adjournment speech by expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and those who were hurt.

He also thanked hospital staff, ministry personnel, the police, fire-rescue officers as well as all those who came together to control the blaze and handle its aftermath.