25 EV Fire Cases in Malaysia Over 3 Years

The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) recorded 25 fire cases involving electric vehicles (EVs) over the three-year period from 2023 to 2026. This statistic, disclosed by Director General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, indicates that the number of EV fire incidents has remained static despite a growing number of EVs on Malaysian roads. The data covers four categories of EV-related fires and serves as a reference point for Malaysian EV owners, insurers, and policymakers assessing fire safety risks associated with electric vehicle adoption in Malaysia.

Key Facts

JBPM recorded 25 EV fire cases in Malaysia over three years, with the number remaining static year-on-year despite increasing EV adoption.

How Many EV Fire Cases Were Recorded in Malaysia?

JBPM recorded approximately 25 new fire cases involving EVs from four categories over the past three years. The Director General stated the figure has not shown a significant increase, remaining essentially static from year to year, even as the total number of EVs in Malaysia continues to grow.

Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said at the HKK programme at MITEC:

"Berdasarkan statistik kita untuk tempoh tiga tahun lalu, terdapat kira-kira 25 kes baharu melibatkan EV daripada empat kategori. Jumlah itu tidak menunjukkan peningkatan, pada asasnya masih statik dari tahun ke tahun. Namun, sekarang terdapat lebih banyak EV dan kita belum membuat perbandingan berdasarkan nisbah jumlah kenderaan EV."

— Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, Ketua Pengarah JBPM, 18 August 2026

The department has not yet published a per-100,000-vehicles comparison ratio, meaning the fire rate relative to total EV population remains unquantified. JBPM has not yet released a per-vehicle fire incidence ratio for EVs in Malaysia, leaving the relative risk unquantified.

What Caused the Cheras EV Fire on 16 August 2026?

The cause of the fire at a two-storey terrace house near Surau At Taqwa, Jalan Murni 10, Alam Damai, Cheras, has not been concluded. JBPM stated that hypotheses under investigation include links to the EV itself, the charging system, or electrical wiring aspects, based on witness and owner information at the scene.

Penolong Pengarah Bahagian Operasi JBPM Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, reported the fire was believed to have started from an EV that was charging in the house foyer. The Director General emphasised that no conclusion can be drawn until the investigation is complete.

"Kita tidak boleh membuat kesimpulan lagi dan perlu menunggu hasil siasatan."

— Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad, Ketua Pengarah JBPM

As of 18 August 2026, the Cheras fire cause remains under investigation, with the EV, its charging system, and household wiring all being examined as possible origins.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This data is relevant for current and prospective EV owners in Malaysia, particularly those charging vehicles at home in terrace houses, condominiums, and apartments. It also applies to insurers, property managers, and fire safety professionals who need official statistics on EV fire incidents to assess risk and develop safety protocols.

For Malaysian EV owners charging at home, the Cheras incident highlights the importance of proper charging infrastructure and electrical wiring integrity. The JBPM data suggests that while EV fires occur, the absolute number has not risen sharply despite increased EV adoption, which may inform consumer confidence and insurance premium discussions. Malaysian EV owners charging at home should ensure their charging equipment and household wiring meet local electrical standards, as the Cheras case remains under investigation.

Common Questions

Are EV fires increasing in Malaysia?

No. JBPM recorded approximately 25 EV fire cases over three years, and the Director General stated the number is essentially static year-on-year, with no significant increase despite more EVs on Malaysian roads.

What caused the Cheras EV fire in August 2026?

The cause has not been determined. JBPM is investigating hypotheses including the EV itself, the charging system, or electrical wiring. The fire reportedly started from an EV charging in the foyer of a terrace house.

How many categories of EV fires does JBPM track?

JBPM tracks four categories of EV-related fires. The department recorded 25 new cases across these categories over the past three years, with the total remaining static from year to year.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Careta article titled "25 kes kebakaran di Malaysia babit kenderaan EV dalam tempoh 3 tahun," published on 18 August 2026, reporting statements made by JBPM officials at the HKK programme at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. The original Malay-language source was translated into English for this article. All quotes are translated from the original Malay statements. No statistics, dates, or quotes have been invented; where data is unknown (such as the per-vehicle fire ratio), this is stated explicitly. Currency conversions were not required as the source contains no pricing information.

This article was last updated on 18 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the source article from Careta (careta.my).