Palette Factory Destroyed In Early Morning Fire In Kempas

JOHOR BAHRU, May 29 (Bernama) -- A semi-open structure pallet factory in Taman Perindustrian Maju Jaya, Kempas here was destroyed in a fire early this morning.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Management Officer, Fire Superintendent Muhammad Zaharul Asyraf Zaharin, said they received an emergency call at 9:00 am before the first engine from the Kempas Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) arrived at the scene about eight minutes later.

He said that preliminary investigations revealed that the  fire involved a total area of 150 x 200 feet, with the firefighting process still ongoing as of 12:00 pm.

"The fire started from the central area, but the investigation will continue once the fire is successfully extinguished. There were no victims inside the premises when the incident occurred," he told reporters when met at the scene today.

He added that the firefighting operation faced difficulties due to low water pressure issues, and his team had contacted Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd (Ranhill SAJ) to boost the water pressure and assist in the smooth running of the operation.

He said a total of 44 officers and personnel from six stations were deployed to the location to join the operation.

The stations involved are BBP Kempas, Larkin, Skudai, Johor Jaya, Tebrau, and Pontian, along with logistics comprising five Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) engines, one Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle, and one water tanker.

When asked about the minor explosion sounds heard at the scene, he explained that it was caused by the reaction of the building's roof structure, which was beginning to warp and dismantle due to the extreme heat.

"The structure of this building is semi-permanent. Therefore, the iron and zinc components receiving extremely high heat began to warp and come apart, which is why there were sounds resembling minor explosions," he said.

The exact cause of the fire and the estimated losses are still under investigation.

-- BERNAMA