A FORMER well-known lawyer, Datuk San Markan, was among two people found dead following a fire at a law office in Lebuh King in George Town, with preliminary findings suggesting that both victims may have died of smoke inhalation.
San Markan, who had recently celebrated his 88th birthday, was at the premises to attend to legal matters when the incident occurred.
The second victim has been identified as 60-year-old clerk Chandra Binwani Jiwatram, who worked at the same office.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said San Markan was discovered first at about 1.05 pm, seated on a chair near a window inside the office.
“The first victim was found near a window, seated on a chair,” he said when met at the scene.
He added that the second victim was later found at 3.26 pm near a wall and beneath a pile of files within the same premises.
Mohamad Shoki said both victims were located within the same office unit but in separate positions, although not far apart.
He said investigations indicated that thick smoke inside the building was likely caused by a large quantity of paper files stored on the premises, which may have contributed to the fatalities.
“We believe the deaths are due to smoke inhalation; this will be confirmed by forensic and hospital authorities,” he said.
The bodies of both victims have been sent to the hospital for post-mortem as investigations continue into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The firm was located at a double-storey pre-war office lot along King Street, a commercial enclave of the George Town World Heritage Site.
Fire engines were hampered by the congestion leading to the scene of the fire, and when they arrived, about 70% of the office was razed to the ground.
Chow said that he is saddened by what had transpired and has ordered fire investigators to probe how the tragedy unfolded.
Chow also urged building owners and tenants to ensure their properties do not end up as fire traps and that the fire sprinkler system is in place.
There must also be clear demarking for emergency exits in all commercial buildings in the state, Chow stressed. - April 13, 2026.
