The state government has set up a special committee to determine ways to assist traders at the Seremban General Market following last night's fire which destroyed its 197 shops, including 99 food outlets.

MCA Youth chief, Datuk Chong Sin Woon said the committee would be chaired by Seremban Municipal Council (MPS) president, Datuk Abd Halim Abd Latif, adding that a meeting was scheduled to be held at 3pm today.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the 38-year-old market here today, he said the committee would include MPS officials, council members and representatives of the traders' association to determine the relevant steps needed to be taken.

He added that he would also seek cash aid from the MCA leadership for the traders and would propose an interest-loan from Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Berhad for the traders to help them continue with their businesses," he said.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue director Norazam Khamis said the traders were allowed to enter their premises to recover items which could still be salvaged but were reminded to exercise care.

"We also had help from the K-9 Unit (Dog Unit) to determine if the cause of the fire was due to short-circuit or arson," he said.

The blaze occurred about 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, Chong said a cash aid of RM1,000 was among the initial aid contributed by the MCA to every victim via the Crisis Relief Squad MCA (CRSM).

He said the aid would be given to 327 premises owners on the first floor of the market who were affected.

"Meanwhile, the car park at the market would be turned as a temporary business site to enable the traders affected to continue their business operations," he said.

In addition, the Seremban Municipal Council would provide a temporary power generator at the market following the directive of Tenaga Nasional Berhad and the Fire and Rescue Department to shut down the main electricity supply while forensic investigation work was being carried out.

-- BERNAMA