Bomba to issue new regulations on solar panel installations following recent Mydin Manjoi blaze
Arvind Ā· Mar 29, 2024 02:00 PM
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The recent fire at Mydin's Manjoi supermarket caused by its solar panels destroyed most of the building. Image
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM / Bomba) has announced plans to issue new guidelines for the installation of solar panels on buildings, businesses and homes in the country, reports Bernama.
This move according to JBPM Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad, comes as a measure to enhance fire safety and control, following the recent incident at the Mydin Manjoi supermarket where firefighters faced difficulties due to solar panels blocking access from the roof.
Mohamad stated "In the Mydin Manjoi fire, the fire brigade could not make manual holes on the roof of the supermarket due to the solar panels that were joined together for ventilation purposes"
"When we can't manually make holes in the roof, it's hard to detect the fire," he added, emphasizing the need for clear rules on the placement and grouping of solar panels.
These upcoming guidelines, developed in collaboration with the Energy Commission (ST) and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), aim to address various technical aspects of solar panel installation to prevent similar issues in the future.
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"A lot can be learned from the (Mydin Manjoi) fire and I see the need for appropriate controls or guidelines in the installation of these solar panels. We will clarify on the distance between the panels, the appropriate size, grouping of panels and other technical matters when installing solar panels at home or any premises," he added.
The JBPM has also concluded its investigation into the Mydin Manjoi fire, pinpointing an electrical distribution panel as the cause of the blaze.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
