SHORT circuits and charging-related issues have been identified as the primary causes of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle fires in Malaysia, according to the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
Despite the overall number of cases remaining low, JBPM Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said a gradual year-on-year increase in such incidents—particularly involving fully electric vehicles—should not be overlooked.
Between 2023 and July 2024, a total of 27 fire cases involving electric and hybrid vehicles were recorded nationwide. Of these, 14 involved hybrid vehicles, while 13 were attributed to fully electric vehicles.
“There has been a noticeable increase in cases in 2024, with EVs accounting for the highest number at eight cases so far this year. Hybrid vehicles also showed a steady rise, with seven cases recorded up to July,” said Nor Hisham.
Selangor reported the highest number of cases at 10, comprising eight hybrid vehicle fires and two involving EVs. Other affected states included Johor and Perak, while Perlis, Penang, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sarawak, and Putrajaya reported no cases during the same period.
“Although the total number of fires remains under control, the rising trend must be addressed, especially as EV adoption increases across Malaysia,” he said. “There needs to be greater emphasis on battery safety, routine maintenance, and user awareness.”
He explained that the majority of incidents were categorised as accidental fires, often triggered by electrical failures such as short circuits within lithium-ion battery modules, faulty battery management systems (BMS), or charging-related issues like overcharging and overheating.
Such failures, he said, may lead to a thermal runaway effect—an uncontrolled rise in temperature that can ignite the battery.
“Fundamentally, EVs are not necessarily more prone to fire than petrol or diesel vehicles, but their characteristics and handling requirements differ,” Nor Hisham said. “If users follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adhere to safety specifications outlined by manufacturers and JBPM safety guidelines, the risk of fire can be minimised.”
To improve safety, the department is working closely with industry stakeholders, including the Electric Vehicle Charging Industry Association and the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA), to develop fire safety guidelines for EV charging bays located at premises.
“These guidelines cover the installation of charging stations, spatial planning for charging areas, and the requirement for EV charging operators to provide fire blankets,” he said.
JBPM has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Petronas since 2022, aimed at raising awareness and providing education on EV safety.
“This collaboration includes training, safety outreach, and information sharing with EV manufacturers,” he added. - September 11, 2025
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