About 90% of the Pasir Putih wet market near Ipoh was destroyed in a fire that broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee.
Lee stated that he was informed about the fire around 12:20am on Tuesday, and he immediately went to the scene with assemblyman Goh See Hua and councillor Jayden Lim to gather information from the Fire and Rescue Department personnel present there.
Upon arrival at around 12:35am, Lee witnessed approximately 80% of the market engulfed in flames, despite the best efforts of the firemen to extinguish the fire.
He noted that there were nine fire engines and 60 firemen, including volunteer firemen, tirelessly working to control the fire. It took them about two hours to bring the situation under control.
Lee mentioned, “By around 1:50am, the fire was successfully put out.”
Expressing his regret, Lee highlighted the unfortunate nature of the incident, particularly for the approximately 60 traders who had recently stocked up on items for the upcoming Chinese New Year period.
He also assured, “Both the assemblyman and I will gather the necessary details from the Ipoh City Council to assist the traders in following the proper procedures in the aftermath of this unfortunate event.”
