FIRE disasters in Malaysia have become a pressing concern, necessitating innovative solutions for early detection and alert systems. Traditional fire alert methods often prove inefficient, leading to delayed responses and severe consequences. In this article, we look at the revolutionary power of combining RFID-IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to address these difficulties and improve Malaysia’s fire catastrophe responses.

Fire incidents in Malaysia have been more frequent and severe in recent years. A data source referenced by Ruth Wilson Das states that Malaysia loses RM5.2 billion every year as a result of fires, the majority of which cause property damage. According to WHO data published in 2020, there were 336 fire fatalities in Malaysia the same year, accounting for 0.2% of all deaths. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department recorded 7,350 fire incidents in the state in 2023. Malaysia has an age-adjusted mortality rate of 1.15 per 100,000 people, ranking it 104th in the world. This financial toll does not include the extra costs sustained, such as loss of life, decreased productivity, and significant annoyance. What is noteworthy is that a substantial portion of these fires is preventable. According to another source of data 90% of households in the country do not have a fire extinguisher. Conversely, certain establishments, such as schools, shops, and higher learning institutions, may possess fire extinguishers that have surpassed their expiration dates. The three-story Wisma Jakel building in Section 7, Shah Alam, was ravaged by a fire in early 2023. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the incident resulted in significant losses of textile and other materials. The deficiency in fire safety awareness contributes to increased negligence and resultant harm. Therefore, awareness about fire safety needs to be improved in Malaysia.

Disasters leading to fire incidents in Malaysia can arise from natural causes, instances of negligence, or intentional planning. These incidents, whether caused by natural causes, human error, or purposeful activities, highlight the need for a comprehensive and professional approach to fire safety and preventive measures. The potential consequences of such accidents demand a proactive approach to raising awareness, education, and adherence to strong safety measures in order to reduce risks and protect lives, property, and general community well-being.

The need for advanced, efficient, and proactive alert systems has never been more crucial. The introduction of RFID-IoT and AI integration promises a paradigm shift in fire disaster solutions, providing the capability to alert authorities and communities before it is too late.

Traditional fire alarm systems have several inefficiencies, ranging from out-of-date detection methods to delayed alert transmission. As a result, fires may have disastrous effects on both people and property. As a result, it is critical to investigate alternatives that have the potential to transform present fire prevention and response practices. Below are some suggestions as of integrating emerging technologies that could help prevent this disaster from happening. 

Integrating RFID-IoT technology provides a strong combination for improving fire detection capabilities. RFID can track assets and monitor environmental conditions, while IoT allows for real-time data gathering and transmission. Integrating these technologies provides a dynamic and responsive system for early fire detection.

Consider AI Integration to enhance fire predictions. Artificial Intelligence plays a pivotal role in analyzing huge datasets related to fire risk factors. Machine learning algorithms can predict potential fire outbreaks with high accuracy, allowing authorities to take proactive measures. The synergy between RFID-IoT and AI creates a comprehensive solution that not only detects fires early but also predicts their likelihood.

Across the globe, regions adopting RFID-IoT and AI integration in fire disaster solutions have witnessed positive outcomes. Reduced response times, minimised damage, and efficient resource allocation showcase the potential impact of these technologies. Drawing inspiration from success stories can inform Malaysia’s approach to implementing advanced fire alert systems.

The successful integration of RFID-IoT and AI requires addressing concerns related to technology implementation. Collaboration between the government and private sectors, coupled with transparency and education, can overcome initial challenges and foster widespread adoption.

Provide community awareness and training. Ensuring the success of advanced fire alert systems involves educating communities about fire safety and implementing training programmes. Empowering individuals to respond effectively to alerts is as crucial as developing the technology itself. Public participation is key to creating a resilient and responsive fire prevention network.

The government’s role in fostering and facilitating RFID-IoT and AI integration cannot be emphasised. Funding, regulatory backing, and incentives are critical components of building a climate that encourages the broad use of sophisticated fire catastrophe solutions.

The technological landscape is always changing, RFID-IoT and AI technologies are expected to develop with time. Potential advancements that could further enhance Malaysia’s fire disaster prevention capabilities is to consider their environmental impact. Achieving a balance between technical innovation and ecological sustainability is critical for ensuring long-term benefits without jeopardising the environment.

Public perception and acceptance of RFID-IoT and AI integration are key to the technologies’ success. Addressing concerns, fostering trust, and including the community in decision-making processes are all critical toward broad acceptance.

Anticipating future challenges in technology adoption allows for proactive solutions. While technology plays a significant role, collaboration with emergency response teams remains crucial. Improving the efficiency of rescue operations by combining technology and human skill is critical for a thorough and successful fire catastrophe response.

The combination of RFID-IoT and AI has enormous potential for transforming Malaysia’s approach to fire catastrophe avoidance. The combination of real-time data, predictive analytics, and community interaction results in a powerful system capable of notifying authorities and communities before it is too late. It is time for Malaysia to embrace technology breakthroughs and create a more secure future. – April 2, 2024.

* Professor Manjit Singh Sidhu reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.