KUANTAN: A money-changer outlet was among three pre-war shophouses completely destroyed in a fire along Jalan Besar here today.
No casualties were reported in the 4.45pm incident, which resulted in major traffic congestion in the town centre after the main road in front of the buildings were cordoned off for safety.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department deputy director (operations) Ismail Abdul Ghani said the Kuantan fire station was alerted to the incident at 4.45pm before the first fire engine arrived at the scene four minutes later.
"A total of 43 firemen from the Kuantan, Indera Mahkota, Taman Tas dan Gebeng fire stations, along with four fire engines and two tanker lorries, were deployed to battle the blaze.
"A grocery shop, carpet shop and money exchange outlet were destroyed in the fire.
"The fire was brought under control at 5.54pm, and firemen managed to stop the flames from spreading to nearby premises.
"The cause of the fire and losses are still being investigated," he told reporters at the scene.
Meanwhile, grocery shop owner Sulaiman Abdul Aziz, 57, said he was returning to his shop after performing his Asar prayers at the nearby mosque when he noticed smoke coming from the rear section of the building.
"Some workers cried for help. The fire spread quickly. We only managed to salvage some documents.
"Low water pressure also made it difficult to put out the fire," he said.