FIREFIGHTERS successfully contained a major blaze that engulfed five premises near the historic Chew Jetty in George Town early today, preventing it from spreading to a nearby petrol station and surrounding residential areas.
The affected premises comprised a car paint shop, workshop, welding shop, scrap goods dealer and timber factory.
Northeast District Zone 1 operations officer Rosli Ibrahim said the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency call at 1.08 am.
He said firefighting operations were immediately launched by teams from the Lebuh Pantai, Jalan Perak, Paya Terubong and Bayan Baru Fire and Rescue Stations, involving 30 personnel.
"Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found the blaze had spread rapidly as the premises were situated close to one another.
"The operation was also assisted by 17 Volunteer Fire Brigades (PBS), police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM)," he said when met at the scene.
Rosli said no casualties were reported.
"Firefighters also managed to save a nearby petrol station, as well as residential areas surrounding the site, from the fire.
"The cause of the incident and the extent of the losses are still under investigation," he said.
The fire broke out close to Chew Jetty, one of George Town’s best-known waterfront landmarks and one of Penang’s oldest Chinese clan jetties, with heritage dating back to the 19th century.
The jetty is known for its distinctive wooden walkways and traditional houses built on stilts and attracts visitors from Malaysia and abroad.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng were also present at the scene.
Meanwhile, a witness who identified himself only as Huan, 50, said he was shocked to see crowds gathering in panic while passing through the area on his way home to Jelutong.
"Some people were seen quickly moving their vehicles before the firefighters arrived shortly afterwards.
"The location is near Chew Jetty, which is home to heritage houses that attract tourists from Malaysia and abroad," he said. - September 5, 2026
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