SUNGAI PETANI: Three senior citizens who perished in a pre-dawn fire that destroyed a row of eight shophouses in Jalan Sungai Emas, Kota Kuala Muda near here, had earlier that night had dinner with family members in Bertam, Penang.
Lee Chew Fong, 61, her husband Lim Yang Kooi, 66, and Chew Fong's mother Yong Swee Lan, 92, died in the fire.
Chew Fong's cousin, Linda Yee, 48, said the three who perished in the fire would normally stay in their house in Bertam and return to the shophouse to make preparations to open their business in the morning.
Linda said they had arrived at the premises early to avoid traffic and to prepare for the next day's business.
"My cousin's family lived in Bertam since buying a house there about a year ago. They will go to the shophouse in Kota Kuala Muda for business. They are in the clothing and furnishing business..Swee Lan is suffering from old age syndrome and uses a walking stick to move around.
"They looked cheerful during the dinner with other members of the family. I never expected to receive the news of the fire and their death at 6am. Initially I did not fear for the worst but when they informed the address of the people who died, I knew it was them," she told reporters today.
The owner of another shophouse that was destroyed in the fire, Azizah Jaafar, 70, said she was shocked when informed of the fire that destroyed her shophouses.
"The shophouse was bought by my late husband 20 years ago and I had rented it to run a furniture shop business at RM400 a month," she said.
The Kedah Fire and Rescue Department director Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang confirmed the charred remains of the first victim was found at 3.19am, the second at 6am and the third at 10.15am.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Sep 18 2023
Three senior citizens who perished in a pre-dawn fire that destroyed a row of eight shophouses in Jalan Sungai Emas, Kota Kuala Muda near here, had earlier that night had dinner with family members in Bertam, Penang. - Astro AWANI
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.