MELAKA: Public awareness of fire safety in the historic city remains a concern after 2025 statistics revealed an increase in fatalities, despite a decline in the overall number of fire incidents, says the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department.
Its director Mohd Zaidi Ma’at said a total of 10 deaths, 30 injuries and 54 survivors were recorded throughout last year.
He said the figures marked an increase compared with 2024, which recorded five fatalities, 25 injuries and 48 people rescued.
“This trend shows a significant rise, particularly in fatalities, which increased by 100% from five cases in 2024 to 10 cases in 2025,” he told reporters after the department’s 2026 annual parade ceremony at its headquarters in Bukit Katil here on Tuesday (Feb 3).
Members of the public and 13 media personnel also received certificates of appreciation during the event.
Among those honoured was 28-year-old Ahmad Nazri Amil for his courage in saving four people from drowning at Pengkalan Balak beachfront on Sept 15, last year.
Mohd Zaidi said that although the number of victims rose, the total number of fire incidents declined, with 1,594 fire-related calls recorded in 2025 compared with 1,850 cases the previous year.
“The department received 3,439 rescue calls, bringing the total number of emergency calls involving fire and rescue operations to 5,162 cases in 2025.
“Despite the reduction in fire incidents, the figures remain above 1,000 cases and warrant serious attention from all stakeholders,” he said.
He noted that fire-related deaths were not caused solely by heat, but also by toxic smoke inhalation and victims’ inability to escape in time.
"In workplaces, fire safety systems that are not functioning properly can become traps, leading to injuries and fatalities,” he said.
As such, Mohd Zaidi said the department would intensify fire safety awareness programmes to educate the public on preventive measures.
“Many fire incidents are caused by unattended kitchen fires and awareness is crucial to prevent unwanted tragedies,” he added.
