PETALING JAYA: Home fireplace incidents associated to unsafe gadget charging habits has resulted in roughly RM14,201,881 in losses throughout 59 instances from 2023 to 2025, in line with information from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
Of the ten states with recorded incidents, “Sarawak recorded the highest in losses with approximately RM9,707,956 from 11 cases, followed by Kelantan with RM 1,147,400 (17) and Sabah with RM806,800 (three),” JBPM mentioned in an announcement to StarLifestyle.
The different states are Selangor with losses amounting to RM661,040 (5), Penang with RM537,125 (9), Johor with RM470,000 (two), Putrajaya with RM387,000 (one), Melaka RM214,810 (4), Terengganu RM175,000 (two) and Perak RM95,750 (5).
“No cases were recorded in Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan and no casualties were reported in the three year period,” it added.
The division mentioned every fireplace incident has its personal distinctive challenges and can’t be assessed solely on the dimensions of the hearth or quantity of losses incurred.
“Every case requires a meticulous and systematic approach, as the complexity of an investigation varies depending on factors such as the location of the incident, the type of device involved, the extent of damage to physical evidence, safety risks at the scene, and the technical information that needs to be analysed.”
JBPM added that probably the most difficult instances will not be essentially the most important by way of losses or blaze, however those who require intensive technical evaluation, rigorous danger administration and the flexibility to attract correct conclusions from bodily proof that could be restricted, broken or destroyed by the hearth.
In a June 8 report by StarLifestyle, specialists together with The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM) highlighted the necessity for extra customers in Malaysia to pay attention to secure gadget charging practices.
Based on its investigation, JBPM mentioned a number of the commonest unsafe charging practices that it has recognized embody leaving units to cost in a single day with out supervision, utilizing uncertified chargers or cables, and charging units on or close to flamable supplies resembling mattresses, pillows, sofas or blankets.
“In addition, overloading power strips and using devices that show signs of damage, such as swollen batteries, overheating, a burning smell, or damaged cables, also increase the risk of fire,” it added.
Members of the general public are reminded to take security precautions when charging their units. JBPM advisable avoiding charging units on gentle surfaces and changing broken sockets, cables or adaptors.
According to the division, public consciousness on fireplace dangers related to gadget charging nonetheless must be improved.
“Some users continue to prioritise cheaper chargers, cables or electrical accessories over safety and product quality. This practice increases the likelihood of using equipment that does not meet safety standards, which may in turn lead to overheating, short circuits or fire.”
Users are suggested to make use of charging gear with SIRIM certification and different legitimate security approvals.
JBPM added that it’ll proceed to help public consciousness efforts via fireplace security training, preventive outreach and strategic cooperation with related businesses to make sure the general public stays extra acutely aware of secure charging practices.