Fire Guts Several Shops In Jalan Mahkota, Kuantan

KUANTAN, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Several shop lots in an old two-storey building along Jalan Mahkota here were destroyed in a fire tonight.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said an emergency call was received at 8.46 pm.

“As of 10.30 pm, a carpet and frame shop on the ground floor was 90 per cent destroyed. Firefighting efforts are ongoing at an association office on the upper floor and another affected shop,” he told reporters at the scene.

No casualties have been reported and the cause of the fire, along with the estimated losses, is still under investigation.

More than 40 firefighters and officers from the Kuantan, Taman Tas, Indera Mahkota and Gebeng fire stations were deployed to the scene.

As of 10.50 pm, the fire had not been fully extinguished but was under control, preventing it from spreading to nearby premises.

The incident also caused traffic congestion as onlookers slowed down, prompting police to control the area.

Online trader Shahriza Jamil, 29, who was passing by, said he noticed sparks coming from the carpet shop.

“Then the flames escalated with thick smoke before more fire engines arrived. The fire later spread to the upper floor,” he said.

-- BERNAMA