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WHEN a fire is extinguished and all that remains is blackened timber and drifting ash, the real investigation begins. For Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the aftermath of a blaze can still hold critical evidence — and modern forensic technology is making it increasingly possible to determine causes, including arson.
“Many people assume that once the flames are put out, our work ends. In truth, that’s when the most critical phase begins,” Bernama cited Kelantan JBPM Director Farhan Sufyan Borhan saying.
Using science and specialised tools, JBPM’s forensic teams sift through fire scenes to uncover whether a blaze was accidental or criminal. The work is meticulous and time-sensitive, especially when volatile substances or criminal intent are suspected.
Recognising the importance of fire investigation, the government established nine forensic fire laboratories across Malaysia in 2004 — located in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang, Penang, Terengganu, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Among the unit’s major successes were the investigation of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital ICU fire in Johor Bahru in 2016 and the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school fire in 2017.
Farhan, who previously served in JBPM’s Fire Investigation Division in Kuala Lumpur, explained that hydrocarbon-based fires are among the most complex to investigate, as substances like petrol, diesel or paint thinner often leave no visible trace.
“These liquids burn completely, leaving behind no visible residue. Only chemical analysis can detect the molecular traces left on debris, timber, floors or soil,” he said, noting the department uses Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) to identify these traces in laboratory conditions.
“Without lab results, arson cases can collapse in court due to lack of evidence. You need a certified report to identify the substance used, how much of it was present, and how it may have been deployed.”
Electrical fires, too, pose hidden dangers and account for up to 79 percent of fire incidents in Kelantan, according to Farhan. Most are caused by short circuits, overloading, or faulty appliances.
“These are ticking time bombs. People often don’t realise that old, uninspected wiring or even something as simple as overusing extension plugs can cause a fire,” he said.
Electrical fires leave tell-tale signs such as “beading” on copper wires, where intense heat causes the metal to melt and form droplets. Evidence also includes burn marks on fuse boxes, melted sockets, and signs of “arcing” where wires spark under strain.
“Unlike arson, electrical fires often don’t require lab testing. The wiring patterns and burn marks tell their own story. But that doesn’t make them any less serious.”
Currently, Kelantan does not have its own fire forensics laboratory. Samples must be sent to nearby Terengganu, which can delay processing and compromise sample integrity.
“In fire investigations, time is crucial. Every day matters — particularly when dealing with volatile substances like petrol, which degrade quickly,” Farhan said.
He cited a common insurance fraud scenario where a person sets fire to their own property. If a hydrocarbon accelerant is used, only lab tests can confirm the arson.
“Without forensic proof, it’s almost impossible to prove in court. Everything burns with the fire — that’s why a local lab in Kelantan is vital.”
Farhan hopes to see one established in the state, which would improve both speed and accuracy in investigating suspicious fires.
Time is of the essence: JBPM’s Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requires that full investigation reports be completed within 14 days of an incident — regardless of whether it’s a small house fire or a complex industrial blaze.
“The 14-day deadline helps ensure evidence is fresh and investigations stay on track. In more complex cases involving chemicals or industrial facilities, we may need longer, but that’s our baseline,” he said.
Such reports are essential for insurance claims, workplace safety reviews and, crucially, for law enforcement.
In cases where arson or foul play is suspected, the fire forensics report becomes a central document used by police and prosecutors. Since 2018, a memorandum of understanding between JBPM and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has formalised their collaboration, with JBPM serving as the primary body for identifying fire causes.
“Where there’s suspicion of criminal intent — arson or even suicide by fire — the investigation is handed over to police,” said Farhan, adding that JBPM focuses strictly on determining origin and cause.
While Kelantan has not recorded any high-profile fires requiring large-scale lab analysis, the local unit has encountered tragic cases involving arson and suicide. These present their own unique investigative and emotional challenges.
With tighter inter-agency cooperation, scientific rigour, and dedicated forensics teams, Malaysia’s fire investigators are better equipped than ever to trace the truth hidden in the ashes. - August 18, 2025
Fire Forensics, Malaysia, JBPM, Arson Investigation, Fire Laboratory, Farhan Sufyan Borhan, Hydrocarbon Detection, Electrical Fires, GCMS, Insurance Fraud Fires, Forensic Science Malaysia
