Five killed in fire at Kajang old folks home

KAJANG: Four elderly residents and their caretaker died after a fire razed a centre for the elderly in Sungai Long, Kajang early Wednesday (Dec 13).

The victims - three male and one female - were aged between 60 and 70. The caretaker, a foreigner in his 20s, died in a hospital.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Mohd Sani Harul Said that the department responded to the fire at about 5am.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yusoff said the fire was believed to have started at the back of the hall on the ground floor of the building.

"We are still identifying the cause and will investigate all angles," he said at the scene.

He said the victims were believed to have died of smoke inhalation.

The centre is believed to have only been operating for two months.

District councillor Lai Wa Chong said the centre did not have a business licence.

"We don't have any records. I have asked Bomba (Fire department) to check if they have applied for permits.

"Without a licence, they actually cannot operate," he said adding that the licence would involve getting the approval of the Fire and Rescue Department as well.