By Aida Aziz
Photo Yb Howard Lee
The Pasir Putih Market here was destroyed by more than 90 percent in a fire incident that occurred late last midnight.
According to a statement from the Facebook page of the Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, Howard Lee Chuan How, following the fire, more than 60 traders suffered losses, affecting their sources of income.
He further stated that he received information about the fire at 12:20 a.m. last night.
“I, together with YB Goh See Hua (Pasir Pinji State Assemblyman), and Clr. Jayden Lim rushed to the scene to get updates from the Pasir Putih Police Chief, Tuan Zubir, and the members who were at the scene from the beginning.
“As soon as we arrived around 12:35 a.m., almost 80 percent of this market had been engulfed by flames, despite the fire brigade’s efforts to control the situation.
“Many thanks to the rescue team who dispatched 9 rescue vehicles, and approximately 60 fire brigade members and volunteer firefighters to extinguish the fire within almost 2 hours.
“The assisting rescue teams were Pekan Baharu Volunteer Fire Brigade (4 units), Pasir Pinji Volunteer Fire Brigade (2 units), Menglembu Volunteer Fire Brigade (1 unit), and the Fire Brigade Team (2 units),” he said on Tuesday.
He clarified that around 1:50 a.m., efforts to extinguish the fire continued by the fire brigade to save assets in parts of the market somewhat separated from the fire area.
He further stated that 90 percent of the market was destroyed by the fire after the operation ended.
“An incident like this has never been experienced by the authorities here, indeed, it is a very damaging accident for all parties, especially more than 60 traders.
“One trader reported losses of RM 150,000 due to the incident.
“Considering it’s an unprecedented event, they urgently need guidance or the most effective procedures from the Ipoh City Council (MBI),” he added.
Meanwhile, he said, the Office of the Member of Parliament and the Pasir Pinji State Assemblyman will obtain further information from MBI so that affected traders can take follow-up actions.
“For those planning to shop here, please visit Pasir Pinji Market or SPPK Market as alternative options,” he said.
