Malaysian Lift and Escalator Association secretary Wong Weng Sum cautions that such behaviour could interfere with how lifts function, potentially causing them to stop abruptly, lock up or break down.
“If kids are moving around or jumping while the lift is in operation, it will cause abnormal movement and disrupt the normal operation of the lift. This might trigger entrapment.
“Should that happens, the respective authorised technical personnel has to come and rescue them,” he told Bernama recently.
According to Wong, those under age 12 should not be left alone in lifts, as they may not be able to reach important controls during an emergency.
“If the kids cannot reach the alarm bell button, how can they call for help?” he said.
While some elevators are equipped with CCTV and audio systems that allow operators to communicate with trapped passengers, not all buildings have such features, he added.
In Malaysia, lifts and escalators are part of everyday urban life, with an estimated 106,000 to 110,000 units in operation nationwide, all regulated by the department of occupational safety and health.
Public-use lifts are required to meet strict safety standards, including monthly maintenance, quarterly inspections and regular certification to ensure all systems are functioning properly.
“Whether in apartments, offices or shopping centres, if it is for public use, it must comply with safety regulations and be inspected regularly,” Wong noted.
He stressed that safety does not depend on engineering alone. User behaviour plays a crucial role, and actions such as overcrowding, forcing lift doors, or excessive movement inside the cabin can interfere with built-in safety features.
The good news is, modern lifts are designed with multiple safeguards, especially in high-rise buildings where additional systems such as fire lifts are in place for emergency use by rescue personnel.
Still, he concluded, awareness remains key. As cities continue to grow upwards, lift safety is a shared responsibility among engineers, authorities, building owners and users alike – including children who may not fully understand the risks.