A SHOP selling toys, bicycles and electric scooters was destroyed in a fire at Kampung Simpang Tok Ku here on Thursday night, with losses estimated at close to RM1 million.
The blaze, which broke out at about 7.40pm, also destroyed more than RM10,000 in cash, representing the day’s sales.
The premises manager, Maya Suhaidi, 40, said she and several employees were inside the two-storey building when they noticed the smell of smoke coming from the rear of the shop.
She said she immediately went to check the source of the smoke and discovered flames near the women’s prayer room at the back of the premises.
“I immediately contacted the fire brigade and instructed all employees to leave because the smoke was becoming thicker.
“We were only able to save items outside the premises. Everything else was destroyed, including the day’s cash takings of more than RM10,000.
“I estimate the total losses to be close to RM1 million,” she said when met at the scene.
Maya said the business owner, Mohd Azrol Azahar, 39, who has operated the shop at the location for five years, was not present at the time, as he was at the company’s branch in Kuala Berang.
She added that more than 500 children’s and adult bicycles were destroyed in the fire, along with a wide range of toys, including remote-controlled cars, more than 10 adult electric scooters and various school supplies.
An employee, Sharuddin Abd Rahim, 38, said he was performing Maghrib prayers when he first noticed the smell of smoke coming from the women’s prayer room.
“I went to the prayer room to perform Maghrib prayers at about 7.30pm and did not see any fire or smell anything unusual.
“During the final sitting of the prayer, I smelled burning. After finishing, I went to the back and saw flames. I tried to put them out, but the fire spread very quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kuala Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department chief Thoyyibah Taib said firefighters were dispatched immediately after receiving the emergency call.
She said the fire was already raging when the team arrived, and swift action was taken to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring premises.
“Firefighting operations and inspections in the surrounding area are still being carried out to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
“The cause of the fire and the total losses are still under investigation,” she said. - January 30, 2026
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