Six shops, two houses razed in fire, losses estimated at RM1 million

A row of six shops and two unoccupied houses in Alor Lintang, Besut were destroyed in an early morning fire with losses estimated at RM1 million.

The fire which started at 3.10am was believed to have been caused by a short circuit at a motorcycle repair shop before spreading to other shops but no casualties were reported.

State Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Nor Mahathir Muhammad said the department was alerted at 3.50am before rushing two fire engines from Jerteh and Kampung Raja with 13 personnel to the location, three minutes later.

He said when they arrived, nearly 70 per cent of the houses had been damaged but the fire fighters managed to bring the fire under control by 5.20am.

Quick action by the fire and rescue team prevented the fire from spreading to several shops, including restaurant, mini market, bicycle shop and houses, situated nearby.