Penang Fire and Rescue Department’s incident report will enable decisions on the future of the hawker centre in Batu Feringghi. — Filepics
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) plans to rebuild the Huma House Hawker Complex in Batu Feringghi that was destroyed in a fire.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, however, said the decision to rebuild the hawker complex could only be made after the authorities complete a report on the incident.
“We are still waiting for the state Fire and Rescue Department report of the incident and cause of fire.
“Only after that will we decide whether to rebuild the complex at the existing site,” he said.
Rajendran added that, as of now, the city council would allow hawkers to operate in front of the existing site.
He promised that the council would address claims by hawkers that the fire was caused by human negligence.
“The traders have alleged that the fire was caused by an individual’s negligence in handling petrol.
“The best thing the traders can do is to first lodge a police report before any action can be taken,” he said.
The fire at Huma House Hawker Complex destroyed 32 out of 40 stalls.
Earlier Rajendran accompanied state local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and Tanjong Bunga assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari to visit the site.
Zairil said the welfare of the affected traders was always a priority of the state government.
“We will try to provide immediate assistance which can help the traders to some extent,” he said.
Prior to this, he said there were discussions about upgrading the nearly 50-year-old complex.
In the wake of the fire, he said there would be a need to build a new complex in the area.
On the incident, H’ng said 32 out of 40 stalls were destroyed in the fire.
He advised those who were affected to lodge police reports so that the cause of the fire and losses suffered could be determined.
If negligence is found, H’ng said the appropriate action would be taken against those involved.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the afternoon fire.
