KANGAR: Two fishermen suffered serious burns after the fibreglass boat they were in caught fire at Kampung Tanah Baru, Kuala Perlis, late last night.
Mohamad Bakri Idham, 54, sustained nearly 90 per cent burns, while his colleague, Nur Azman Sabu, 45, suffered burns to about 45 per cent of his body in the incident at 11.55pm.
Kangar police chief Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the victims were preparing to leave for a fishing trip when the incident occurred.
"According to one of the victims, as they were getting ready, one of them checked the boat to ensure that the fuel, battery, and other equipment were in order before setting out to sea.
"However, when the victim opened the battery compartment, an explosion occurred," he said when contacted this morning.
He said the fire from the explosion engulfed both victims, resulting in their burns.
"They were rescued by villagers who rushed them to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital," he said.
Kuala Perlis assemblyman Abu Bakar Hamzah also rushed to the scene to assist the victims.
Meanwhile, Perlis Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Zaidi Ma'at said that 10 firefighters from the Kuala Perlis fire station were dispatched to the scene after receiving an emergency call at around 11.56pm.
"When the rescuers reached the scene, the fishing boat was already 50 per cent engulfed in flames, but the fire was brought under control by around 12.37am.
"All victims were rescued and sent to the hospital for treatment," he said.