'Improper modification of audio system can cause vehicle fire'

Improper modifications of the audio system, especially in wiring, is among the causes of vehicles catching fire, said Johor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Mohd Rizal Buang.

He said other vehicle fire cases were caused due to accidents and arson.

Mohd Rizal said to date, there was no case of vehicle fire caused by the petrol tank being filled up.

"There has been no such cases (of vehicles catching fire because the tank is fully loaded with fuel) even in hot temperatures, including in Johor," he said when contacted by Bernama, here, today.

Mohd Rizal said this when asked to comment on the spread of text mesages claiming that vehicle fires could occur if the fuel tank is fully filled.

He said a total of 610 cases of vehicle catching fire were recorded in Johor for the period of last year until yesterday, but none of the cases were found to be due to a fully filled tank.

Mohd Rizal said vehicle owners should be more careful in doing audio or other system modifications because failure can caused sparking which could lead to fire in their vehicles.

However, he said a thorough study should be held by the relevant parties over allegations that filling a petrol tank with fuel can cause vehicle fire.