Massive Fire Destroys 60% of Oil Storage Facility in Southern Malaysia

A massive fire tore through an oil storage facility in Malaysia’s southern Johor Bahru District on Saturday, destroying nearly 60% of the premises and forcing residents in nearby areas to evacuate.

According to Malaysian state news agency Bernama, the blaze sent thick black smoke towering over 100 meters into the sky, with strong winds intensifying the spread of the fire to an unused waste oil storage zone.

“The fire has caused significant damage, estimated at around 60% of the facility,” the Johor Fire and Rescue Department said in a statement. Several explosions were reported during the incident, but authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred.

At least 15 vehicles were damaged in the blaze.

Deputy Chief of Zone I, Senior Fire Superintendent II Rosfarawadi Ismani Ismail, said initial findings suggest the fire may have started in the recycling and oil storage sections of the facility.

“As a safety measure, surrounding residents were evacuated and will only return once authorities declare the area safe,” he added.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.