KSL Esplanade explains that the car fire happened AFTER the event they approved.
A car gathering at the KSL Esplanade Mall in Klang took a tragic turn when a vehicle caught fire and was completely incinerated. What began as an enthusiast meet-up ended with a reportedly modified Perodua Myvi burnt to a crisp, and no it wasn’t an EV fire.
Witness reports and viral videos suggest the fire was triggered during “pop and bang” activities. In case you’re unfamiliar, the practice involves modified or performance vehicles revving excessively to produce loud, explosive sounds and even flames from the exhaust pipes. While a common sight at Malaysian car meets, it is widely frowned upon. It’s a bit of a public nuisance, to be honest, and in closed car parks the noise, heat and carbon monoxide emissions are a recipe for disaster.
In this instance, a row of modified Myvis were parked next to each other, revving up their engines, when flames shot out of one of the exhaust pipes alongside some petrol. The petrol landed behind the NEXT vehicle and the flames quickly spread to that vehicle. Essentially cars 1, 2, and 3 were ‘pop-banging’ together and car 1 spat flames that set car 2 on fire.
Management Responds
Following the incident, KSL Esplanade Mall Management issued an official statement to clarify the situation. They confirmed that while they had approved an activity on the date of the incident, it was specifically for an “Audio Competition only”.
The management further clarified:
- The fire was determined to be the result of an individual vehicle owner’s actions involving unauthorized exhaust-related activities.
- The Event Organizer confirmed that all approved audio-related activities had already concluded at the time of the incident.
- The fire was promptly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
A Question of Responsibility and Safety
While the management was quick to distance themselves from the unauthorized exhaust antics, critics argue that organizers should anticipate such behavior. Car gatherings, especially those involving modified vehicles, frequently devolve into impromptu revving sessions. There are also concerns regarding the adequacy of fire and safety equipment on-site, which appeared insufficient to prevent the vehicle from being almost entirely consumed.
However, the ultimate blame rests on the individuals involved. Improperly modified exhausts and “silly” behavior not only endanger public peace but can lead to devastating financial loss.
Insurance and Future Regulation
A critical question remains: Will insurance pay out? Most Malaysian comprehensive policies cover accidental fire, but illegal modifications or participating in high-risk, unauthorized “stunts” can void a claim entirely. If the insurer determines the fire was caused by illegal exhaust setups or negligence during a “pop and bang” session, the owner may be left with nothing but a heap of scrap.
