KL heritage shophouses saved thanks to fire dept

KUALA LUMPUR – The Fire and Rescue Department has been lauded for its swift action in dousing a blaze at a restaurant along Jalan Leboh Ampang here this afternoon, which prevented several heritage buildings from being destroyed by the flames.

In the 2pm incident, the fire broke out in the kitchen of the Bakti Woodlands Vegetarian Food Cafe, damaging the rear end of the two-storey shophouse, which was not operating at the time.

Leboh Ampang Traders Association president Datuk Abdul Rasull Abdul Razak, who spotted the plumes of smoke rising from the premises, said he made a distress call to 999 at about 2.10pm.

He said he was impressed by the quick arrival (within 10 minutes of his call) of several fire engines and dozens of personnel.

He said firefighters sprang into action, while the busy two-lane road was cordoned off by several policemen in patrol cars.

“It goes to show that we have a good (emergency response) system,” Rasull told The Vibes when met at the scene of the incident.

“I hope they (the Fire and Rescue department and police) can keep this consistent.”

Rasull, who is also Malaysian Indian Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association president, said without such prompt action, the fire could have easily spread to other connecting shophouses.

Senior fireman Suhaimi Abdul Shukor, who commanded the operation, said the fire was believed to have started from a leaking gas tank in the eatery’s kitchen.

He said fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.

He added that the cause of the incident is still under investigation, while the total cost of damage is still being assessed.

“The operation saw several fire engines from the Titiwangsa and Jalan Hang Tuah fire stations being deployed, and the situation was brought under control within 10 minutes of their arrival,” he said.

The son of the restaurant’s owner, who identified himself as Suga, said this was the first incident of such nature ever since the business, which serves North and South Indian cuisine, began operating 15 years ago. – The Vibes, December 20, 2020