4 Facts To Know About The House Fire That Killed Penang MCA Youth Leader's Family
An initial financial aid of RM10,000 was announced for the MCA Youth leader.
By Sadho Ram — 15 Nov 2017, 01:32 PM
Earlier today, 15 November, four people perished in a fire at a double-storey terrace house in Weld Quay, George Town
1. The fire started at about 6am
According to a report in NST Online, the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at about 6am and two personnel were deployed to the scene.
A total six fire engines arrived at the scene at about 6.17am. They managed to put out the fire at 7.10am, Operation commander Rozairi Abd Rahim was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
2. Charred bodies of three of the victims were found on the ground floor while the fourth was found on the first floor
Operation commander Rozairi Abd Rahim said that 60% of the house was razed and the forensic unit is investigating the cause of the blaze.
The deceased have been identified as eight-year-old Lim Jia Yiin, nine-year-old Lim Yin Chun, 35-year-old Chen Yen, and 62-year-old Lau Sai Poh.
Their bodies have been sent to the Penang Hospital for post-mortem examination.
3. They were family members of an MCA Youth leader
Penang MCA Chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng told media that the victims perished in the house fire were Tanjung MCA Youth chief Lim Swee Bok's mother, wife, son and daughter, reported the Malay Mail Online.
The Tanjung MCA Youth chief was said to be at work during the time of the fire.
4. An initial financial aid of RM10k was announced for Lim
The financial aid was announced by Penang MCA chief Datuk Tan Teik Cheng. He also said a committee will be set up to determine how the party could help Lim rebuild his life, reported NST Online.
"This is a very difficult time for Lim. We are sad on the passing of four of his family members. We will see how else we can help Lim rebuild his life," he said.
It was reported that Lim's father had passed away just last week.
Friends encircle Swee Bok who lost his entire family in the space of a week.
Image via KE Ooi/The Malay Mail Online