ISKANDAR PUTERI: A fire broke out at the Southern Industrial Logistics Clusters (SILC), engulfing four factory complexes and resulting in three Bangladeshi workers suffering first-degree burns.
Six other workers were unharmed.
The injured men were evacuated by factory personnel and transported to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru before emergency responders arrived.
The fire erupted at 11.30am at two factories, Rulewave Logistics Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Pentachem (M) Sdn Bhd, rapidly spreading to adjacent units due to the presence of combustible materials, including highly flammable Methyl Ethyl Ketone (thinner).
SILC, situated on a 1,300-acre industrial site, houses 85 factory lots along Jalan Kemajuan SILC.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department received the emergency call and arrived on site within eight minutes.
Operation commander Ahmad Mazlan Mohd Noor said that the blaze, primarily affecting the logistics and chemical storage warehouses, was brought under control by 1.34pm. However, efforts to completely extinguish the fire were ongoing.
The fire caused significant damage, destroying 80 per cent of the Rulewave Logistics warehouse and 90 per cent of three adjoining Pentachem storage units filled with flammable chemicals.
A total of 46 personnel from six fire stations worked collaboratively, utilising multiple water jets and tankers to combat the flames.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway, with authorities monitoring the situation to prevent any flare-ups.
Emergency responders deployed a variety of firefighting equipment, including 20,000-litre water tankers and hoses stretching several hundred feet.
While no fatalities have been reported, the damage to the factories is extensive, according to Mazlan.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Kumarasan confirmed that the workers sustained first-degree burns and advised residents to stay clear of the area due to lingering toxic smoke, which poses health risks.
The Iskandar Puteri Municipal Council (MBIP) Nusa Bayu Zone 8 councillor issued a public health advisory, highlighting concerns about hazardous fumes released during the fire.
"The fire, which began at No. 33, Jalan SILC 2/7, involved chemicals stored at the factory. The smoke may contain harmful substances that could be hazardous if inhaled," the advisory stated.
As a precaution, residents are urged to wear protective face masks, such as N95 respirators, to filter out potentially harmful chemicals.
They should remain indoors, cover their skin when outside, and ensure all doors and windows are tightly sealed to minimise smoke infiltration.
Outdoor activities should be limited until the situation is declared safe.
Residents are also encouraged to heed evacuation orders or safety directives issued by authorities for their protection.
The New Straits Times has reached out to State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin to confirm whether a directive has been issued for local schools to suspend operations as a precaution. He has not yet responded.