KUCHING – A Perodua Viva car caught fire in the battery section at a house along Jalan Tabuan this afternoon, but the swift action of the owner prevented the situation from getting worse.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) received an emergency call at 12.19pm regarding the incident. A team was immediately dispatched to the scene, located about four kilometres away, and arrived within five minutes.
Operations Commander PBK II (TBK I) Gajau Jemat confirmed that the fire was already under control before the arrival of firefighters. “The vehicle owner managed to extinguish the fire in the battery compartment using his own initiative. Our team then carried out monitoring to ensure the situation was safe,” he said in a statement.
The fire and rescue team completed their extinguishing and monitoring work by 12.26pm, with no injuries reported in the incident.
The quick response from the vehicle owner not only stopped the fire from spreading but also avoided potential damage to nearby property. Jalan Tabuan is a busy residential and business area, and a more serious fire could have caused greater disruption.
Bomba advised the public to remain cautious with vehicle maintenance, especially regarding the electrical system and battery components, as these are common causes of small vehicle fires. They also reminded residents to immediately contact the fire department in case of emergencies, even if the fire has been controlled, for proper inspection and safety measures.
This case highlights how early action and awareness can make a difference in preventing bigger accidents.