Kuala lumpur: The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) has attributed about 60 per cent of house fires in the country to electrical issues. Director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad highlighted that the primary causes include unsafe wiring, non-compliant electrical modifications, and excessive use of electrical appliances.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Hisham emphasized that many people neglect electrical safety at home. Problems such as old wiring, frequent tripping of switches, and the use of high-powered appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and chest freezers lead to electrical overloads. He warned against common errors like directly reconnecting a blown fuse or bypassing electrical safety systems, as these actions can spark major fires if the system fails to cut off power during short circuits or overheating.

Nor Hisham advised homeowners to have their wiring inspected by a licensed electrician every 10 to 15 years to detect possible electrical leaks, particularly in older or newly completed homes. He stressed the importance of not ignoring early signs of electrical faults, recommending that a qualified electrician should be called in if a socket keeps tripping.

Cooking is also noted as a significant contributor to house fires, particularly when kitchens are left unattended or gas leaks occur. Despite an increase in the number of structural fires, property losses from fires in 2023 were estimated at RM1.6 billion, down from RM2.66 billion the previous year. Nor Hisham attributed this reduction to the fire department’s swift response and increased public awareness, including early-stage use of fire extinguishers.

He recommended that every building and home be equipped with at least one fire extinguisher to enable immediate action should a fire occur. Nor Hisham emphasized the importance of prevention, citing the Sendai Framework study, which indicates that each ringgit invested in preventive measures can yield a return of RM8 in reduced losses. The Sendai Framework is an international agreement designed to reduce disaster risks, lower death tolls, minimize economic losses, and lessen infrastructure damage from disasters. The framework, effective from 2015 to 2030, stresses understanding disaster risks, strengthening governance, investing in risk reduction, and boosting preparedness.