Malaysia man detained for impersonating firefighters

A 35-year-old man has been remanded for one day following reports of him driving a private red vehicle adorned with ‘Bomba Rescue’ stickers and illegal strobe lights. The incident, which went viral on social media, showed the suspect driving recklessly and behaving aggressively toward other motorists in Sungai Petani.

Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan, stated that the suspect has a psychiatric history involving bipolar disorder dating back to 2017, though he had not received follow-up treatment for approximately two years. Due to emotional instability during detention, the remand order was issued at a hospital rather than a court.

The Kedah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) confirmed the vehicle does not belong to the department or any Volunteer Fire and Rescue Team (PBS) in the state. Police are investigating under Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a public servant and Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving.