GEORGE TOWN: Early investigation into the fire at the former Odeon cinema building, which killed a foreign worker, showed that faulty wiring may not have caused the blaze.
Authorities have yet to find the exact cause of the fire at the premises, which is now a nightlife entertainment outlet.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the building along Jalan Penang was still being renovated and investigators were looking at other possible causes, including human error and external factors.
“We do not believe the fire was caused by faulty wiring. Investigations are still ongoing and several factors are being examined,” he said yesterday.
Mohamad Shoki said fire investigators had collected samples from the scene for forensic tests.
“The lab results are expected within 14 days,” he said.
He said quick action by firefighters stopped the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.
In the incident on Saturday, a Myanmar national in his 50s was killed.
Mohamad Shoki said the victim suffered first-degree burns and could have died from smoke inhalation.
About 70% of the two-storey entertainment outlet, measuring about 1,500 sq ft, was destroyed.
“Overhaul operations are still ongoing due to the extensive collapse of the roof and walls.”
He said the severe damage made it hard for firefighters to enter and put out remaining hotspots.
“The fibre-based walls helped the fire spread quickly and were still smoking as firefighters entered for cooling works,” he added.
A total of 38 personnel and seven fire engines from four fire stations were at the scene.
Once a prominent, century-old landmark, the Odeon building was known for screening both Western and Asian films before it ceased operations more than a decade ago.
The building changed hands several times and was converted into an entertainment outlet, although the iconic Odeon signage remained.
