KLANG: Although the fire, that destroyed a paint processing plant in Meru near here, had started as early as 6.30am, firemen were still putting out smouldering debris past 5pm on Monday .
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Makhtar said firemen have been working non-stop to put out the fires throughout the day.
“They will only leave after the fire has been completely put out with no more smouldering left,’’ said Ahmad Mukhlis adding that the cause of the fire was still unknown.
The Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 6.34am on Sunday (April 28) and fire engines, water tankers, emergency rescue medical services vehicles and a hazmat unit, among others, as well as 39 personnel from several fire stations, rushed to the location of the factory at the Meru Industrial Park.
The fire stations involved were South Klang, North Klang, Kapar, Andalas, Port Klang, Shah Alam, Bukit Jelutong, Pulau Indah, Damansara, Kuala Lumpur and Rawang fire stations.
According to Ahmad Mukhlis, the two buildings that made up the plant were ablaze with raging fires when the fire engines arrived at the location but firemen managed to bring the fire under control by 7.30am.
When asked if the fire could have been put out easily and losses curbed if it had happened much later in the day, Ahmad Mukhlis said there was such a possibility.
“But then again it also depends if the employees have been trained to handle fires and had attended training sessions conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department,’’ said Ahmad Mukhlis.
A fire forensic team was also at the scene to carry out investigations.
No casualties were reported in the mishap.
Meanwhile, Faiz Hairudin who manages a soap factory behind the paint processing factory said the fire had thrown the place into chaos in the morning.
“There are only two entry points into the area, which is the front entry, that everyone takes, as well as the much longer back road which people mostly avoid due to its long distance,’’ said Faiz.
He said the front road had been closed right up to about 11.30am and those entering into the area had to circle around to come into the industrial park from the back road.
“Although I sympathise with the paint factory owners over what happened, I am glad that it did not happen later in the day as it could have caused more chaos,’’ said Faiz.
