EPF Building Fire: 4 Important Things To Know As An EPF Member
Almost 40% of the building was engulfed in flames during the fire incident yesterday, 13 February.
By Tang Ruxyn — 14 Feb 2018, 12:58 PM
A fire broke out at the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) building in Petaling Jaya yesterday, 13 February
It was learned that the fire started at about 11.50am and 40% of the building burnt down in the incident. A total of 70 firefighters and officers worked together to put out the fire in 30 minutes.
Initial investigations led authorities to believe that the fire was caused by a spark from maintenance works being done at the building, which ignited the polyethylene cladding - a highly-combustible material if there is a fire source close to it.
The Star Online reported Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general Datuk Soiman Jahid as saying that the cladding panels used on the exterior of the building did not meet fire safety requirements.
1. EPF assured its members' savings and data are all safe
"The data were never in any danger of being compromised by the fire, as our data servers are in a secured remote location, and supported by world class backup and recovery procedures," EPF said in a statement yesterday.
2. A viral message claiming that members cannot make any withdrawals for six months is actually fake
The message which has been circulating on WhatsApp claims that KWSP (the acronym for EPF in Malay) members will not be able to make withdrawals in the next six months due to "restoration works".
However, EPF has debunked the matter in its official statement that the message is false, and that it did not originate from EPF.
3. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has warned the public not to spread false rumours about the fire incident
MCMC has reminded people that action can be taken against those who spread fake news, as per Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities or network service.
"In this regard, the public is reminded not to share, distribute, upload or trust any form of content that has not yet been verified. Instead, refer the matter to the authorities or official sources," MCMC said in a statement, as reported by Free Malaysia Today.
4. Operations at the EPF building in PJ will be shut down temporarily
According to EPF, all systems are not affected and business is operating as usual for all function, although the EPF Petaling Jaya branch will be temporarily closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, EPF members have been advised to obtain services or perform any transactions in other branches or via i-Akaun.
Additionally, members may call the EPF contact management centre at +603-8922 6000 or forward their enquiries to http://enquiry.kwsp.gov.my.