Lorry Carrying Paint Catches Fire at Sungai Ramai Toll Plaza
Incident Overview: Lorry Carrying Paint Catches Fire at Sungai Ramai Toll Plaza
On 15 March 2025, a lorry transporting paint caught fire at the Sungai Ramai toll plaza on the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban highway (PLUS). The incident involved a 10-tonne lorry carrying 200 litres of solvent-based paint. The fire was reported at 9:47 AM and resulted in the temporary closure of two toll lanes. No casualties were reported. The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) dispatched 12 personnel from the Kajang station to extinguish the blaze. The Sungai Ramai toll plaza lorry fire incident involved a 10-tonne vehicle carrying 200 litres of solvent-based paint, with no casualties reported.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 15 March 2025 |
| Location | Sungai Ramai Toll Plaza, KM 28.5, Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Highway (PLUS) |
| Vehicle Type | 10-tonne lorry (Hino 500 series) |
| Hazardous Material | 200 litres of solvent-based paint (Class 3 flammable liquid) |
| Fire Department Response | Bomba Kajang station – 12 personnel, 2 fire engines, 1 water tanker |
| Time of Report | 9:47 AM (local time) |
| Time Fire Contained | 10:35 AM |
| Lanes Affected | 2 of 4 toll lanes closed for 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Casualties | None |
| Estimated Damage | RM 150,000 (vehicle and cargo) – preliminary estimate by PLUS |
The fire was contained within 48 minutes by Bomba personnel from Kajang station, with no injuries reported.
What Caused the Lorry Fire at Sungai Ramai Toll Plaza?
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and PLUS highway authorities. Preliminary reports from Bomba indicate the fire originated in the engine compartment and spread to the cargo area containing paint. The cause of the Sungai Ramai toll plaza lorry fire remains under investigation, with initial findings pointing to an engine compartment ignition.
“The fire started from the engine bay and quickly spread to the paint cargo due to the flammable nature of the solvent-based paint. Our team managed to prevent the fire from reaching the fuel tank,” said Bomba Kajang station chief Mohd Azhar bin Ismail in a statement to Careta.my.Careta.my, 15 March 2025
According to PLUS, the lorry driver noticed smoke and pulled over at the toll plaza’s emergency bay before alerting toll booth operators. The driver was unharmed. MIROS is analysing the vehicle’s maintenance records and the paint container’s compliance with the Malaysian Hazardous Substances and Waste Regulations 2005.
How Did Emergency Services Respond to the Hazardous Material Fire?
Bomba deployed a specialised hazardous materials (HAZMAT) team from the Selangor Fire Department headquarters. The team used Class B foam to suppress the fire and prevent the paint from igniting further. Bomba’s HAZMAT team used Class B foam to extinguish the solvent-based paint fire, a standard method for flammable liquid fires in Malaysia.
The response included:
- Establishment of a 50-metre safety perimeter around the toll plaza.
- Traffic diversion via the Sungai Ramai interchange for northbound and southbound vehicles.
- Air quality monitoring by the Department of Environment (DOE) – readings showed no toxic gas levels exceeding safe limits.
- Clean-up of paint residue by a licensed waste contractor within 4 hours.
PLUS reported that the toll plaza resumed full operations by 12:15 PM. The incident did not affect the Sungai Ramai rest and service area (R&R).
What Safety Measures Apply to Hazardous Material Transport in Malaysia?
Under the Malaysian Road Transport Act 1987 and the Hazardous Substances (Transport) Regulations 2004, lorries carrying flammable liquids like paint must display orange hazard plates, carry fire extinguishers, and undergo annual vehicle inspections at PUSPAKOM. Malaysian regulations require all hazardous material lorries to display orange hazard plates, carry fire extinguishers, and pass annual PUSPAKOM inspections.
Key requirements for Malaysian operators:
- Driver must hold a valid Dangerous Goods Driver Training Certificate (DGDT).
- Vehicle must have a fire extinguisher with a minimum 2 kg capacity (Class B rating).
- Maximum speed limit of 80 km/h on highways.
- Prohibition from using tunnels (e.g., SMART Tunnel, KL) without special permit.
According to the Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), there were 47 reported incidents involving hazardous material transport in 2024, with 12 involving flammable liquids. The Sungai Ramai incident is the first such fire at a toll plaza in 2025.
Who Is This Information For in Malaysia?
This incident is relevant to Malaysian logistics companies operating hazardous material transport, toll plaza operators (PLUS, LPT, etc.), and drivers using the Kuala Lumpur–Seremban highway. It also concerns residents near toll plazas and emergency response planners. Malaysian logistics companies transporting flammable liquids should review their vehicle maintenance schedules and driver training programmes following this incident.
Key takeaways for Malaysian users:
- Ensure all hazardous material vehicles have up-to-date PUSPAKOM inspection certificates.
- Verify that drivers hold valid DGDT certificates (renewable every 3 years).
- Install automatic fire suppression systems in engine compartments – a measure recommended by MIROS after this incident.
- For toll plaza operators: review emergency response protocols for HAZMAT fires, including foam supply and lane closure procedures.
Common Questions
Was the Sungai Ramai toll plaza closed after the lorry fire?
Yes, two of the four toll lanes were closed for 1 hour 20 minutes. Traffic was diverted via the Sungai Ramai interchange. Full operations resumed by 12:15 PM.
What type of paint was the lorry carrying?
The lorry was carrying 200 litres of solvent-based paint, classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid under Malaysian hazardous materials regulations. The specific brand was not disclosed.
Are there any legal consequences for the lorry company?
MIROS and DOSH are investigating. If the vehicle failed to meet safety standards (e.g., expired PUSPAKOM inspection or missing fire extinguisher), the company could face fines up to RM 50,000 under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the primary source: Careta.my article “Pondok Tol Plaza Tol Sungai Ramal Lori Muatan Cat Terbakar” published on 15 March 2025. Additional data was cross-referenced with the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) incident report, PLUS highway authority statements, and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) preliminary findings. Currency values are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as reported. No currency conversion was required. This article was last updated on 16 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Road Transport Act 1987 and Hazardous Substances (Transport) Regulations 2004.