Selangor Wholesale Market Resumes Normal Operations After Fire - PKPS

SHAH ALAM, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan is operating as usual, with business activities unaffected by a fire incident on the night of July 23, Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) said in a statement today.

PKPS said the fire did not involve the main building housing daily operations and traders’ activities, while the actual cause of the incident remained under investigation by the authorities.

"The market area has been confirmed safe and daily operations are continuing as usual. PKPS has also activated a 24-hour Crisis Management Centre to monitor developments.

"PKPS will coordinate follow-up actions and work closely with the authorities to assist investigations into the incident," it said.

PKPS said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director (Operations) Ashrul Riezal Asbar had confirmed that the fire did not affect the main building and firefighting operations were fully completed at 6 am yesterday.

On the forensic investigation, Ashrul Riezal said the JBPM Investigation Division would begin its probe next Monday after taking over the premises yesterday afternoon.

He said an initial assessment by investigation officers and the K9 Detection Unit had begun, but the unit had to temporarily suspend entry into the hotspot area due to the high temperature at the site.

"The preliminary cause of the fire, including any possibility of sabotage or negligence, is still being investigated by the investigation team," he said.

Yesterday it was reported that 68 JBPM personnel, supported by 16 fire engines, were deployed during the operation, with assistance of personnel from 13 fire stations.

The operation also involved 67 personnel from 11 Volunteer Fire Brigades, as well as members of the Police Force, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the Selangor Wholesale Market security team.

Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said business operations at the PKPS-managed wholesale market continued as usual despite three shops within the market compound being destroyed in the fire.

-- BERNAMA