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SIBU: Planning to deck out your car with the latest electronic gadgets? Do it with caution – the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has found that most vehicle fires are caused by overloaded electrical wiring systems resulting from modifications.
Furthermore, excessive modifications may affect insurance claims in the event of fire, its Sarawak director Jamri Masran said.
According to Jamri, when a vehicle's electrical wiring system is overloaded, temperatures can rise rapidly and spread, leading to a fire.
"Based on our statistics and findings, when a car catches fire, it’s usually caused by electrical issues.
"The engine is rarely the cause. If it is, it’s usually because of an oil leak.
"Owners modify their vehicles, adding accessories such as sound systems and radios that require higher power.
"If they try to make a claim from the (car) manufacturer, it will not be entertained because modifications have been made,” he told the media after Sarawak Bomba's Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at the Sungai Merah station here on Monday (April 7) night.
Jamri reminded car owners in Sarawak not to make modifications that could overload the electrical wiring system and eventually lead to a fire.
"It’s best to maintain the vehicle as it was when it left the factory, for the owners' safety,” he added.
Meanwhile, state Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said the ministry plans to provide affordable housing near the Sungai Merah fire station to enable firefighters to own homes.
"Firefighters should be given the opportunity to own affordable homes because they serve the community with full commitment and must be prioritised,” he told reporters after the gathering. – Bernama
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