Viral EQB Fire: EV Charging Station Operator Was Unlicenced, Says EC

The aftermath of the viral EV fire involving a Mercedes-Benz EQB that occurred on news year's eve at a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Johor Bahru.

We’re certain you’ve read our prior report of a viral new year’s eve incident that saw a Mercedes-Benz EQB catching fire whilst being charged up at a Johor Bahru Mercedes-Benz dealership. Today, the Energy Commission of Malaysia (EC) has released a statement regarding which via Facebook.

Through said statement, the EC’s initial findings reveal that the EV charging station (EVCS) in question was operated by an unlicenced company. The EC adds energy supply activities can only be performed with a valid license, in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act 1999 and the related 1994 regulations.

To date, there are no reported injuries to both victims or any of the fire and rescue personnel that responded to this incident. Instead, the EQB involved was destroyed, along with 5% – roughly 256 square metres – of the dealership’s premise, and 20% of the EV charging bay where the fire occurred.

In the same statement, the EC adds investigation to determine the cause of the fire are still on-going. The commission also says all parties responsible, including the unlicenced firm involved, will be called up to assist in its investigation. It is not clear if the EC intends to penalise the latter just yet.

To date, just 222 EV charging locations are licenced, and this is based on a quick check through the EC's website. PLANMalaysia's dashboard, on the other hand, indicates 600 known existing charging location. Perhaps the key question here besides why this happened is why the licencing process for these EV charging points is moving at a snails pace?

The statement ends with the EC encouraging the public’s cooperation in providing information on cases as such via its eAduan ST system by calling 03-8870 8800, or by sending an email to eaduan@st.gov.my.

The viral Mercedes-Benz EQB fire in Johor Bahru on new year's eve saw said EV destroyed, along with 5% (256 square metres) of the dealership and 20% of the EV charging bay. (Images: Facebook)

This recent incident in Johor Bahru comes just weeks after another viral incident that saw a grey imported Tesla Model Y catching fire in Puchong, Selangor. Neither the EC or the Malaysia Fire & Rescue Department (JBPM) have provided updates on this separate earlier incident.

Though a rare occurrence, EV fires do occur from time to time, and can prove difficult to contain or suppress should its battery be compromised. In the latter case, specialised firefighting tools and techniques are required.