DESPITE countless public warnings and safety campaigns, faulty electrical appliances and wiring remain the leading cause of fires in Kelantan — contributing to a staggering 77 per cent of incidents over the past two years.
The pattern is not only consistent but growing, suggesting a troubling neglect of basic safety practices in homes and buildings.
In 2024 alone, out of 821 fire cases recorded in the state, 634 were traced to electrical faults, according to Farhan Sufian Borhan, Director of the Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
“Apart from that, 84 cases or 10 per cent involved gas appliances, while 42 cases or three per cent were caused by embers,” he added during the department’s May monthly assembly on Monday.
The previous year showed a similar trend: 537 out of 689 fire cases in 2023 were also caused by faulty electrical appliances or poor wiring, followed by 84 cases involving gas and 46 from smouldering embers.
This is not a statistical fluke. It is a sobering indictment of how seriously — or not — homeowners take their own safety. “The public is advised to pay serious attention to using electrical equipment approved by authorities and to ensure their wiring systems are well-maintained,” said Farhan.
He stressed that homeowners should be particularly cautious if their house is over a decade old. “People are encouraged to inspect their home wiring systems if the house is more than 10 years old,” he said, citing numerous cases involving traditional wooden homes, which are particularly vulnerable to fire if left with outdated or tampered wiring.
In a broader sense, the message is clear: modern lives powered by increasingly complex appliances demand an equally modern standard of infrastructure. That responsibility lies with both government and citizens.
In a separate safety concern, Farhan also urged residents to keep their surroundings clean as a preventive measure against venomous creatures such as scorpions and snakes, especially during the current extreme heat.
“These animals seek shelter from the heat, so ensure cleanliness inside and around the house,” he warned.
Emergency calls linked to such animal sightings are reportedly on the rise, particularly in rural areas where cool, damp environments make ideal hiding spots for these unwelcome visitors.
Earlier, Farhan also took a moment to present the team flag to Kelantan’s rugby squad, The Red Muntjac, who will represent the state in an upcoming tournament in Penang.
But the celebratory gesture stood in contrast to the main takeaway from the day: that when it comes to home safety, neglect can be deadly. The numbers speak for themselves — and unless acted upon, they will keep speaking. - May 26, 2025
