A FACTORY processing fabric for sofa upholstery in Jalan Bagan Ajam in Butterworth was about 80 per cent destroyed in a fire on Friday, with its 58-year-old owner suffering first-degree burns while attempting to put out the blaze.
The man sustained burns to his hands and neck and was given initial treatment by Health Ministry personnel before being taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call about the fire at 6.09pm.
“The fire involved a semi-permanent factory operating a fabric-processing business for sofa upholstery.
“The fire also destroyed two motorcycles, each by 50 per cent, a four-tonne lorry by 90 per cent and a forklift by 90 per cent,” he said in a statement today.
The blaze was brought under control at 6.28pm, with firefighters assisted by nearby Volunteer Fire Brigades (PBS) and an excavator provided by a private company.
Firefighters took almost 10 hours to completely extinguish the blaze.
“The fire was completely extinguished at 4.35am today and operations continued with overhaul work to ensure there were no other hazards,” John said.
The operation ended at 6.59am before the case was handed over to the Fire Investigation Team (FIO) for further action.
A total of 26 personnel, including station chiefs from the Butterworth, Penanti, Kepala Batas, Jalan Perak, Bandar Perda, Bertam and Perai fire and rescue stations, were involved in the operation.
Meanwhile, two premises, including a mamak food stall opposite Sekolah Kebangsaan Ampang in Ampang Jaya, were damaged in a separate fire early this morning.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Ashbar said the department received an emergency call at 3.46am, with firefighters from the Ampang Fire and Rescue Station arriving three minutes later.
“The operations commander reported a fire involving two shops owned by different owners, namely a mamak food stall and a general goods storage store.
“The mamak food stall and general goods storage store were each about 80 per cent burned,” he said.
The fire was brought under control at 4.42am and completely extinguished before the operation ended at 8.30am.
Firefighters used six 200-foot hose lines with five nozzles supplied by fire hydrants and water tanks to put out the blaze.
“The operation was also assisted by Pandan Indah Fire Station, Keramat Fire Station, Hang Tuah Fire Station and the Mahkota Cheras City Volunteer Fire Department (PBS).
“A total of 18 personnel along with several pieces of machinery were deployed to the location and the incident did not involve any casualties,” he said. - August 29, 2026
