BENTONG: Low water pressure caused firemen difficulties battling the blaze which destroyed 51 houses and 11 shop buildings at Kampung Baru Cina in Karak near here last night.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa said the lack of water caused setbacks to the firemen's job and required more time for them to bring the fire under control.
"Yes, there was low water pressure and supply interruptions. We overcame the problem with the assistance from the Fire and Rescue Department's water tanker.
"It was quite tough to control the fire as the houses were located close to each other, resulting in the fire spreading fast also the change in the wind direction was another challenge," he said when replying to allegations that low water pressure had resulted in firemen taking longer time to bring the fire under control.
On investigations to determine the cause of the fire, Wan Mohammad Zaidi said the department's forensic team and K9 (dog) unit were looking into all aspects at the scene, including the possibility of the incident sparked by a short circuit.
"There are claims that the fire might have started from an empty barber shop. There might be wiring issues as the buildings have been around for between 30 and 40 years," he said.
On allegations that one of the premises which was used to keep fireworks caused the blaze to spread quickly, Wan Mohammad Zaidi replied it was still too early to comment but the department will leave no stones unturned.
He said the department received a distress call at 9.20pm before 52 firemen in 10 engines were rushed to the scene. They brought the fire under control about 1am.
However, there were no reports of casualties in the fire which broke out at about 9.10pm,
Meanwhile, State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Muda, who visited the fire victims at SJK(C) Karak, assured them that the Pahang government would provide some aid.
"I will discuss with Menteri Besar(Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail) and see how we can help the victims. Maybe provide them some financial aid but it depends on the discussion....I am here today representing him(Menteri Besar) and will identify how we can help the victims.
"The government agencies, including non-governmental organisations, have provided early assistance to help the victims and we will continue to assist them. I was informed that the victims will move to stay temporarily with their relatives," he said after visiting the victims at the relief centre today.
Rahim said it was unfortunate for such fire to occur at the 60-year-old settlement which has left 162 people homeless.
The fire incident last night was likened to the Sungai Lembing fire incident in Kuantan in Aug 2019 which razed 33 'rumah kongsi', 19 shop lots, and a public library.