‘No foul play in fire tragedy’

GEORGE TOWN: Investigations into the pre-dawn fire that killed the family of a Penang politician on Wednesday at Pintasan Cecil has so far found no sign of foul play, said Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Moktar.

He said the department is gathering information from several witnesses in its investigation.

“We are investigating the cause of the fire, so far, we have just finished the initial stage of investigations and have found nothing that lead us to believe that the fire was caused by arson,” he told theSun.

On the safety of the houses in the neighbourhood, Saadon said the design of the cluster houses, which only has one door, does not violate any law.

He said as the houses fall under the home category, the building is deemed safe to be occupied.

On Wednesday, the double-storey unit in Pintasan Cecil 5 at Weld Quay was razed after a fire broke out at about 6am.

The fire saw the entire family of MCA Tanjung Youth chief Lim Swee Bok perish after they were believed to have been overcome by smoke.

Early yesterday, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai paid last respect to the family at Sri Saujana Apartment in Lebuh Macalum.

Liow arrived at about 11.40am and spent about an hour with Lim.

Also present were MCA vice-president Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siang and Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.

During a press conference, Liow said the party was greatly saddened over the tragedy. – by Imran Hilmy