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KUALA LUMPUR – The massive fire which has engulfed the Shah Alam outlet of popular textile retailer Jakel earlier this morning is still blazing over seven hours after it broke out.
Multiple social media users reported witnessing the store still in flames past noon today, as Fire and Rescue Department personnel struggle to douse the flames.
Photos and videos shared online show thick, black smoke still emanating from the three-storey building in Section 7, Shah Alam as firemen continue their efforts on the premises, with multiple firetrucks lined up along the road in front of the outlet.
Twitter user @ahmad_haidhar uploaded a video he took at 2.25pm from the 11th floor of the Shah Alam Hospital visibly showing fire still razing the textile outlet.
Jakel as of 2.25 pm. Taken from 11th Floor, Hospital Shah Alam. pic.twitter.com/8Jqs4aqBNS
— 🇲🇾 ahmad haidhar 🇲🇾 (@ahmad_haidhar) January 1, 2023
@pxmpkin posted at 2.28pm today that the fire does not seem to slow down from early morning, adding: “Today afternoon is extra hot, not a good combination.”
the fire at jakel doesnt seem to slow down and tengah hari ni is extra hot? not a good combo
— calcifer🔮 (@pxmpkin) January 1, 2023
Another user @irfanismail posted a short clip at 2.42pm showing thick smoke from the premises as fire and rescue personnel continue to spray water into the building.
Yooo Jakel, are you okay? pic.twitter.com/87qhwIv8zp
— Irfan Ismail (@irfanissmail) January 1, 2023
Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof also confirmed via a Twitter post that the fire has yet to be put out as of 2pm today.
Jam 2.00pm, Kebakaran besar Gedung Jakel Shah Alam yang bermula seawal 7.00am masih belum reda. Saya berkesempatan meninjau keadaan terkini turut mengucapkan takziah kepada Dato Feroz CEO dan Pemilik Gedung Jakel, atas ujian dan musibah yang menimpa.
— Azli Yusof (@azliby) January 1, 2023
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“I had the opportunity to take a look at the current situation. I also extended my condolences to the chief executive officer and owner of Jakel (Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel) for the trial and tribulation that befell.”
Earlier today, it was reported that fire had destroyed about 80% of the corner shop lot, although the fire was brought under control within an hour after.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Norazam Khamis said personnel and assets from seven stations had to be mobilised after it was alerted of the incident at 7.08am.
Meanwhile, Jakel chief operating officer Datuk Mohamed Nizam Mohamed Jakel was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that the losses incurred from the fire are expected to amount to hundreds of millions of ringgit.
He said he was alerted of the fire around 6.45am and immediately went to the location. However, he was not able to save anything as the building was already badly damaged upon his arrival this morning.
Faroz was thankful that none of his 500 staff was injured and vowed to continue paying their salaries as usual despite the incident.
The report claimed that the fire has also damaged another shop adjacent to Jakel.
Separately, Shah Alam police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said in a statement that the initial investigation suggested that an electrical short circuit is to be blamed for the fire. – The Vibes, January 1, 2023