KULIM, July 19 (Bernama) -- Six hundred people lost their jobs when a
rubber products factory at the Padang Meha Industrial Zone in Padang Serai near
here was razed in a
fire this morning.
No casualties were reported and losses was estimated at RM106 million.
The factory owner, Datuk Eng Hock Sing, said he was informed by the workers
that a section of the factory was on fire when he arrived at the factory at
8.30am.
"I ordered the 300-odd morning shift workers to vacate the premises and save
themselves. The Fire and Rescue team came at about 8.45am," he told reporters
outside the 3.2-hectare factory.
The losses involved RM100 million worth of machinery and finished products
valued at RM6.02 million that were awaiting export, he said.
The factory employed 600 workers, half of whom were locals, and had been in
operation for the past 15 years, he added.
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FIRE-FACTORY 2 PADANG SERAI
Eng said they had to fulfill orders from the United States, France, Italy
and several Asian countries.
More than 20 fire engines from Butterworth, Tasik Gelugor, Bukit Mertajam,
Kulim Hitech Park and Sungai Petani rushed to the scene.
Hazardous Material (Hazmat) and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Corps teams were
also on hand at the scene.
Bernama was made to understand that Hazmat teams were called in to handle
hazardous chemicals in the factory to prevent the situation from becoming more
dangerous.
Kedah Fire and Rescue director Ahmad Shahabudin directed over 100 personnel
involved in putting out the fire which was believed to be hampered by low water
pressure in the area.
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FIRE-FACTORY 3 (LAST) PADANG SERAI
At the time of filing this report, the fire had been put out but the Hazmat
team was was still working on salvaging the chemicals.
Meanwhile, Padang Serai parliament coordinator, Dr Chin Tung Leung visited
the site this morning and raised concerns over the welfare of the 600 workers
who had lost their source of income.
"Especially the Muslim workers who would be starting Ramadan in another two
weeks and celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri after that," he said.
-- BERNAMA
KAY AP PA HA