4×4 Believed to Have Caused Shopping Mall Car Park Fire, Not EV – Fire Department

JOHOR BAHRU: A fire at the Level Two basement car park of Johor Bahru City Square yesterday afternoon is believed to have originated from a four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicle, dismissing speculation circulating on social media that the incident involved an electric vehicle (EV).

Larkin Fire and Rescue Station chief Deputy Fire Superintendent I Mohd Suhaimi Abdul Jamal said the department received an emergency call at 3.40pm, with fire engines arriving at the scene six minutes later.

He said the operation involved 52 personnel from the Larkin, Tebrau and Kempas Fire and Rescue Stations, as well as the Ulu Tiram Volunteer Fire Brigade and the shopping mall’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).

“Of the 11 vehicles affected, eight sustained an estimated 80 to 90 per cent damage, two were 30 to 40 per cent damaged, while another sustained about 10 per cent damage,” he told a press conference at the scene on Tuesday.

Mohd Suhaimi said four individuals, including a Singaporean, experienced breathing difficulties during the incident. However, only one was taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) for further treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

He said the building’s smoke extraction and fire safety systems also assisted firefighters in their operation, particularly in locating the source of the fire amid thick smoke.

According to him, the shopping mall resumed normal operations at about 7pm after being temporarily closed following the fire.

However, the affected basement parking area remains closed to allow the Forensics Unit to investigate the exact cause of the fire and estimate the losses incurred.

Earlier, several videos and photographs circulated on social media showing thick smoke billowing from the building, while visitors and employees were seen rushing to evacuate the premises.

Claims that the fire had originated from an EV also went viral on social media.

BERNAMA