Burnt capacitor cause of HSA fire - Dr Subramaniam

The fire at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru two months ago was caused by a burnt capacitor in one of the ceiling lights at the Intensive Care Unit.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam says, this was confirmed in the full reports submitted by the relevant agencies.

According to the minister, the burnt capacitor might have caught on flammable materials such as bedsheets, clothes and curtains which led the fire to spread.

In the tragedy on October 25th, six people lost their lives.

Currently, the Health Ministry is still awaiting the complete report from the company responsible in maintaining HSA's wiring system.

The company has been given a January deadline to submit the report.

“As per the reports we received from the Fire and Rescue Department, Public Works Department and the Energy Commission, a burnt capacitor from the lights may have caught on to flammable items and led the fire to spread quickly.

"That is among the causes identified,” he said after handing over aid to 46 recipients under the 1Azam programme in the Segamat constituency today.

He also said, the block which caught fire is currently being renovated.. and will be ready for use in six months time.

The ministry is also coming up with strategies to reduce congestion in the hospital, including building a new block.