Cops urge public not to speculate on Wisma Jakel fire

SHAH ALAM, Jan 2 — The public has been urged not to speculate on the cause of the fire incident at Wisma Jakel in Section 7 here yesterday morning.

Speaking to reporters today, Shah Alam district police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) team is in the midst of investigating the actual cause of the incident.

The five-storey Wisma Jakel building was destroyed in the fire, which was believed to have started at about 7am. — Bernama pic

“Please don’t make any speculation or assumption on this matter.

“We have to respect the feelings of those who suffered losses as well as the workers who lost their source of income due to this incident,” he said in response to allegations on social media that the fire at the popular textile store was intentional.

He also said that police had not received any report about the matter from any party, adding that legal action can be taken by the premises owner if the investigation report proves otherwise.

The five-storey Wisma Jakel building was destroyed in the fire, which was believed to have started at about 7am.

Personnel from the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department K9 Tracker Dog Unit are seen at Wisma Jakel at Section 7, Shah Alam January 2, 2023. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

The Selangor JBPM has mobilised its K9 Tracker Dog Unit to the site to conduct forensic work and determine the cause of the incident.

Jakel Group managing director Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel said the company had estimated losses to be almost RM100 million. — Bernama