Kedah: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) of Kedah has confirmed that petrol was the cause of the house fires in Tongkang Yard near here and Kupang, Baling. Kedah JBPM director Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang stated that the Department of Chemistry’s results indicated a criminal element in both incidents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the fire department conducted investigations by collecting samples from the fire locations and sending them to a laboratory in Penang. The findings confirmed that petrol was used as fuel in both fires. Awang Hidzel emphasized the swift resolution of these cases within 24 hours due to collaboration with other enforcement agencies, and the report has been handed over to the police for further action.

Previously, Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh highlighted that nine serial arson cases in Kupang, Baling from the previous December to January showed signs of sabotage, with petrol also identified as the fuel source in the Tongkang Yard fire, which resulted in two fatalities.

During the 2025 Kedah JBPM Annual Gathering, Awang Hidzel officiated the conferment of ranks and awarded certificates to media personnel. At the event, he shared that Kedah JBPM managed 9,167 cases in 2024, which included 5,155 rescue cases, 3,776 fire incidents, 218 special duty cases, and 13 false alarms.

He noted an increase in fake calls from 19 in 2023 to 21 in 2024, which potentially wastes resources and delays actual emergency responses. Furthermore, 1,980 fire cases involving plantations, grass, forests, and rubbish were recorded last year, marking a 54.90 percent increase compared to 2023.

Awang Hidzel also announced plans to establish four new Volunteer Fire Brigades (PBS) this year in Pulau Tuba, Langkawi; Ulu Bakai, Baling; Padang Serai, Kulim Hi-Tech; and UUM Bukit Kayu Hitam.