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Kota Kinabalu: Eleven cases involving victims of electric shocks have been recorded in Sabah from 2022 to Aug 6 this year, with three cases reported in 2026.
According to Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) statistics, three cases were recorded in 2022, followed by one each in 2023 and 2024, while three cases were recorded in 2025 and another three this year.
The latest three cases involved three policemen who died after being electrocuted outside the Weston Police Station in Beaufort on Thursday.
The victims were identified as Corporal Chiu Teck Siong, 40, Corporal Mohamad Nur Hafiz Ibrahim, 29, and Constable Muhammad Raimi Ismarubee, 26.
They were attempting to dislodge coconuts in front of the police station when they were electrocuted at about 5.50pm.
Weston Fire and Rescue Station Chief Ishak Jabas said seven personnel and several fire engines were immediately dispatched after the department received information on the incident.
He said firefighters found the three policemen lying on the ground with severe burn injuries believed to have been caused by electric shock.
The bodies of Mohamad Nur Hafiz and Muhammad Raimi were flown from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Kuantan before continuing to Gong Kedak, Terengganu, while Chiu’s remains were flown to Sarawak aboard a Royal Malaysia Police Air Operations Force aircraft.
The statistics showed an average of 2.2 electrical shock cases were recorded annually over the five-year period.
Beaufort and Lintas recorded the highest number with two cases each, while Nabawan, Sandakan, Kota Marudu, Lahad Datu, Ranau, Tawau and Papar recorded one case each.
JPBM urged the public to avoid using damaged or faulty electrical appliances and to prevent overloading sockets and wiring.
It also advised households and offices to have electrical wiring inspected regularly by qualified electricians, keep electrical appliances away from water and damp areas, and unplug appliances when not in use.
The public was also urged to be alert to warning signs such as hot wires or plugs, sparks or small explosions from sockets, burning smells from wiring, frequently tripping switches or circuit breakers, and flickering or dimming lights.
The department also emphasised that electrical shocks can cause serious injuries and death, and urged the public to prioritise electrical safety to prevent further tragedies.
