Two TNB staff critically injured by electric shock as substation fire triggers Johor Bahru blackout (VIDEO)

Firefighters assist two injured TNB staff following an electric shock incident at the Kangkar Tebrau main intake substation in Johor Bahru on October 16, 2026. — Picture courtesy of the Johor Fire and Rescue Department

By Ben Tan

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 8:03 PM MYT

Last Modified: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 8:36 AM MYT

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 — Two Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) staff were critically injured after suffering electric shocks during maintenance work at the utility company’s Kangkar Tebrau main intake substation here this evening.

The incident triggered a fire and disrupted electricity supply in parts of Johor Bahru.

TNB said the fire broke out at 6.03pm, interrupting power supply in several areas around Johor Jaya and its surrounding areas.

“TNB’s technical team has been deployed to the site and is actively working to restore electricity supply to the affected consumers,” the electricity company said in a statement.

The national electricity company also apologised for the inconvenience caused.

The Johor Fire and Rescue Department said the Tebrau fire station received a distress call about the incident at 6.10pm.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the operational response team confirmed that an electrical power outage incident had occurred during maintenance work.

“As a result, two individuals were subjected to electric shock. The team provided initial treatment to both victims before transporting them to the hospital via an Emergency Medical Rescue Services,” said the department spokesman.

The department said firefighters later secured the area before returning to the station.

Earlier, social media users reported blackouts in several parts of Johor Bahru, including Tebrau, Masai and parts of Pasir Gudang.

They also reported that some traffic lights had stopped working, slowing traffic and causing congestion in several locations.