GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Fire and Rescue Department and police have pledged to investigate a fire incident that destroyed one of the exhibits at the annual International Padi Festival programme – the brainchild of state executive councillor Dr Norlela Ariffin.
One of the arches at the exhibit was destroyed during the pre-dawn fire yesterday at Kg Terus in Penanti, Bukit Mertajam, with some quarters suspecting it to be arson.
Last week, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had officiated at the programme, which was aimed at reviving the public’s interest in the paddy/rice industry.
Norlela, who oversees the agriculture and public health portfolios respectively, said the exhibit was adjudged to be the third-place winner in a competition on who among the participants could design the top arch and storage space to store paddy straws.
“We were hoping to showcase the arches as part of our tourism initiative… to draw tourists over to the agrarian community in Seberang Prai and this happened,” she said.
Norlela expressed her sympathies with the exhibit designers and villagers, who put in much work and effort to design the arch and the storage space it holds.
A district Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said investigators will probe the incident to determine if indeed an arson act had occurred.
“It could also be an electrical fire as there might be switches in the area not turned off after the festival ended its activities,” the spokesman who spoke on the condition of anonymity said.
Additionally, Bukit Mertajam district police head Tan Cheng San has confirmed that a report was lodged, and police will be investigating the case. – The Vibes, July 30, 2022
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