Bat Temple in Penang destroyed in early morning fire

 

GEORGE TOWN: A temple known as the Bat Temple at Jalan Pokok Ceri in Ayer Itam here was destroyed in a fire in the early hours of Thursday (March 10) morning.

A Penang Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said the department received a distress call at about 1.25am informing them about the incident.

"A total of 18 firemen were rushed to the scene but by then the fire had engulfed almost 90% of the temple," he said in a statement on Thursday.

There were no casualties during the incident.

He said the operation commander then conducted a 'size-up' operation at the location and ordered firemen to contain the fire, adding that the fire was finally controlled at 1.44am and fully put out five minutes later.

"The operation ended at 5.28am," he said, adding that the cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

The operation was assisted by Bukit Bendera, Paya Terubong,Kampung Pisang and Bagan Ajam volunteer firefighters.

Built at the foot of Penang Hill, the temple is believed to be more than 200 years old and is a dedicated to Tua Pek Kong.

The temple is famous and unique because thousands of bats live in a cave inside the temple.

The bats fly out to find food at night and sleep in the cave inside the temple during the day. - Star