Kajang old folks home where 5 died in fire had ‘no permit’

The centre began operations just two months ago and did not seek permit from Kajang Municipal Council.

KAJANG: The old folks home at Persiaran Sungai Long here where five people were burned to death early today did not have a permit to operate.

Kajang municipal council member Lai Wa Chong confirmed that the home did not have a local authority permit to operate.

“I am not sure if the premises are registered with the Welfare Department or not.

“The municipal council is now looking into the permit status of the home,” he said.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire which broke out at about 5am.

Leow Chong Fah, 60, Kwan Sak Seen, 60, Teo Hoi Foo, 60, and Lai Sew Ying, 70, died, along with the home’s warden, Awis Muhammad, 25.

A 70-year-old inmate was rescued and sent to Kajang Hospital for treatment while another three wardens, aged between 25 and 38, escaped unhurt.

Kajang police chief ACP Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yusoff said the investigations would involve the forensic units of the police and the Fire and Rescue Department.

“Police are still checking if the centre has operation permits from the Welfare Department and the local authorities,” he told reporters at the scene today.

According to Ahmad Dzaffir, the centre began operating just two months ago.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Mohd Sani Harul said the fire was believed to have started at the ground floor before spreading to other parts of the premises.

“The fire is believed to have started from the living room.

“At that time, there were nine people at the care centre,” he said. -FMT