EV Charging Bays Need To Undergo Thorough Inspection For Safety - Fire & Rescue Dept

According to its director-general Datuk Seri Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin, the Fire and Rescue Department will examine the network of electric vehicle charging bays (EVCB) to make sure they comply with fire safety regulations and to find out if they have the required permits.

He stated that fire hazard abatement notices would be given to EVCBs installed without the department's consent. An abatement notice instructs the property owner to create defensible space and remove or minimise flammable materials or sources from the property in order to lower the risk of fires.

Owners of the property will be fined if they don't comply with the reasonable time frame provided to them to make the necessary corrections. The department assured that it would closely monitor the situation now that the government has announced guidelines to accelerate and standardise the development of EVCBs.

According to Abdul Wahab, his department was directly involved in the creation of the aforementioned guidelines. The department assured that it would closely monitor the situation now that the government has announced guidelines to accelerate and standardise the development of EVCBs.

According to Abdul Wahab, his department was directly involved in the creation of the aforementioned guidelines. "Some of the factors considered for EVCB placement include easy access by the Fire Department in the event of a fire." "This is why these charging bays will only be permitted to be installed in specific locations and levels, particularly when direct current (DC) charging is involved."

"These bays must be no more than 30m away from dry and wet risers, as this will speed up and simplify access for our personnel in the field."

Abdul Wahab stated that he was aware of some safety concerns raised by certain parties regarding the installation of these bays, particularly in condominiums, apartments, and commercial buildings.
"The public should also note that a huge number of EVCBs have been installed at certain buildings over the last 10 years.

"The charging points must follow the standards set by the respective local governments and must also be installed by competent individuals who have Energy Commission certification," he said, adding that the installation must also receive approval of the Fire and Rescue Department, with the department conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance.