Penang government staff evacuated from Komtar after fire alarm goes off

GEORGE TOWN: Staff members of government agencies at Komtar were evacuated after the fire alarm went off at around 2.45pm on Friday (April 5).

"We received text message stating there was a fire on the third floor," said a state government employee.

She said that there was smoke, believed to be from a fire that is believed to have started at the third floor.

Several state government leaders including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow were among those who evacuated the building.

The large group gathered along Lebuh Tek Soon, near the post office.

As of 4.15pm, people are still not allowed into the building from the third floor onwards.

A Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they were informed of the incident at 2.50pm.

Firemen from the Beach Street and Perak Road fire stations were dispatched to the scene.

"The smoke had filled up eight shop units on the third floor of Komtar.

"We are now investigating the cause of the fire.

"There are no reports of victims injured during the incident," he added.