Malaysians Advised Not To Hide In Toilets During Fires After Bomba Finds Worrying Trend

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Malaysians have been advised not to take refuge in bathrooms or toilets during a fire, after several victims were found dead in these spaces in Kuala Lumpur high-rise buildings

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said bathrooms are particularly dangerous during fires because of poor ventilation, which allows smoke to accumulate and oxygen levels to drop, making victims lose consciousness rapidly.

She added that bathrooms are harder for rescuers to reach, as firefighters usually search living rooms and bedrooms first.

"Most fire victims die from smoke inhalation rather than burns. Bathrooms often have poor ventilation and limited escape routes, making them extremely dangerous during fires.

"This trend is worrying, as fire cases are increasing, and most victims are found in toilets or bathrooms," said Yeoh during a fire safety awareness press conference for strata residences on Monday, 9 March, as reported by Bernama.

Instead, Yeoh urged residents of high-rise buildings to familiarise themselves with their building's emergency exits so they can evacuate quickly if a fire breaks out

If evacuation is not possible, she advised residents to stay in a room with windows, seal gaps under the door with a wet cloth to prevent smoke from entering, and signal for help from the window.

She suggested waving a brightly coloured cloth or object to help rescuers identify their location more easily.

The warning comes as fires in strata residences in Kuala Lumpur are on the rise

Fire and Rescue Department statistics show that, out of 161 strata residences fires over the past two years, eight victims were found dead in toilets or bathrooms.

A total of 68 fires were recorded in 2023, rising to 75 in 2024 and 86 in 2025. Three deaths involving victims found in bathrooms were recorded in 2024, followed by five similar deaths in 2025.

Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Hassan Asari Omar said most fires in strata buildings were caused by electrical faults and human negligence, which includes the use of cheap and uncertified electrical appliances bought online.

He added that some fires were also linked to equipment used for illegal activities, as well as charging mobile phones while sleeping, which can cause batteries to overheat.