With the government is encouraging Malaysians to switch to fully electric vehicles, the population of EVs has been growing steadily within just the past few years. While this is a positive development, the fact that there are more EVs on the roads also means that attention must be given to emergencies relating to EVs.
Unlike vehicles with combustion engines, EVs have their own unique elements, notably high-voltage electrical systems and battery packs with chemistry that can cause extreme combustion scenarios. As such the emergency services need to be prepared as first responders for any incidents involving EVs.
With BYD being the No. 1 EV brand in Malaysia, BYD Sime Motors, a unit of Sime Motors, has taken the initiative to provide information and training to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) to deal with EV incidents.
5-day training programme
The company recently conducted an Electric Vehicle Operation, Safety & Fire Investigation training programme for BOMBA Malaysia personnel at the BYD Academy, its learning and development arm. The 5-day course was designed together with BYD Malaysia and provided critical knowledge and hands-on skills required to respond correctly to EV-related incidents.
The training covered a comprehensive range of topics, including EV technology and components, safety protocols and Personal Protective Equipment, incident identification and handling, battery emergency management and fire suppression, and investigation.
This initiative was made possible by Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Motors Southeast Asia, who said: “Safety is the cornerstone of sustainable mobility. We are proud to support this collaboration between BYD Sime Motors and BOMBA Malaysia, ensuring our emergency responders are well-equipped to handle any given situations from EVs. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a safer, smarter future for all Malaysians.”
Find out more about BYD vehicles in Malaysia
BYD Sime Motors offers EVs to Transport Ministry for 6 months
