Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) recorded a total of 27 cases of electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid-related fires from 2023 to July of 2025. So far, the average is 10 cases per year across the peninsula. Out of 27, 14 of these incidents were related to hybrid vehicles and the remaining 13 involved EVs.
Though these low-emission vehicles do not consume fossil fuels and are generally more environment friendly, EVs and hybrids pose a risk for catching fire; according to Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government. JBPM identified the leading causes of these BEV-related fires are short circuits and “charging-related issues.” In a statement, the minister declared EV fires as the fire department’s “biggest challenge.”
GOV’T RESPONSE
Aiman Athirah answered a question asked by Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim regarding the ministry’s response to increasing EV and hybrid-related fires. The senator asked specifically if more fire blankets will be purchased by the ministry to answer for the rise in incidents.
“The use of fire blankets is among the most effective methods for extinguishing EV fires, in addition to water and foam,” she answered. Fire blankets are now mandated under Malaysia’s EVCB planning guidelines. The minister confirmed that JBPM acquired 318 fire blankets, which will be distributed to several fire stations around Malaysia.
“In addition, the department also received 30 […] fire blankets from the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA), which had been distributed in stages starting December 2024 until May 13 this year,” the minister added.
It should be noted, however, some international fire-safety researchers, have cautioned that blankets may trap flammable gases in battery fires, posing additional risks in certain conditions. Thus, aside from using fire blankets, the fire department is investigating other methods of extinguishing EV-related fires, such as cooling agents and immersion containers.
“Currently, the cooling agent used by the department to extinguish fire on EVs is water, which aims to reduce the heat level of the battery and thus prevent the fire from becoming larger and spreading to other areas,” Aiman Athirah explained. “The use of other cooling agents such as dry powder, clean agent and inert gas is not suitable for use in open areas because it requires the concept of total flooding to function effectively.”
INCIDENTS IN MALAYSIA
According to JBPM Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, the number of cases of BEV-related fires has been low but the gradual increase of these incidents is notable.
“There has been a noticeable increase in cases in 2024, with EVs accounting for the highest number [with] eight cases so far this year. Hybrid vehicles also showed a steady rise, with seven cases recorded up to July,” he said.
Malaysia’s Selangor state has the highest number of cases so far with 8 hybrids and 2 EVs catching fire from 2023 to July 2025. Johor and Perak reported similar incidents, but the country’s remaining states have not yet recorded any BEV-related fires. Most of these incidents were marked as accidental fires, meaning they were caused by mechanical failure within the vehicles. Such incidents involved short circuits or over-charging the vehicle’s battery pack, issues with battery management systems (BMS), and over-heating batteries.
“Although the total number of fires remains under control, the rising trend must be addressed, especially as EV adoption increases across Malaysia,” Nor Hisham added. “There needs to be greater emphasis on battery safety, routine maintenance, and user awareness.”
Despite this, the Director-General cited that EV fires a rarity compared to ICE-related incidents. “Data shows there are 1,530 fires per 100,000 gasoline vehicles and 3,475 per 100,000 hybrid vehicles, compared to just one out of every 100,000 EVs,” he said.
On the other hand, this article by Kelly Blue Book presents the same statistics for ICE and hybrid-related fires but clarifies that EV-related fires only occur in every 25 vehicles per 100,000 sold. The same article mentioned that petrol engine vehicles were more likely to be recalled for fire risks over EVs and hybrids.
Though BEV-related fires are rarer, Nor Hisham described them as more difficult to extinguish.
“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,” he explained.
JBPM, along with MyZEVA and the Electric Vehicle Charging Industry Association, are developing fire safety guidelines for Malaysia’s network of charging ports.
“These guidelines cover the installation of charging stations, spatial planning for charging areas, and the requirement for EV charging operators to provide fire blankets,” Nor Hisham announced. “This collaboration includes training, safety outreach, and information sharing with EV manufacturers.”
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