GEORGE TOWN: A fire at an entertainment centre along Jalan Penang has claimed the life of a 56-year-old Myanmar national worker, in a tragic incident that left the premises badly damaged on Saturday night.
The victim, identified as Mohamad Boshi Sabi Ullah, was an employee at the entertainment centre. He was found near the front entrance of the building before being confirmed dead by officers from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) at the scene.
According to the Penang Fire and Rescue Department, the emergency call was received at about 8.50pm involving a fire at an entertainment premises located in the historic Odeon Building area. Firefighters from the Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Lebuh Pantai) were the first to arrive at around 9pm and immediately began suppression efforts.
The building involved was described as a two-storey Class A entertainment centre with an estimated size of 50 by 300 square feet. The fire rapidly spread through the structure, causing approximately 70 percent destruction before it was brought under control.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the victim was discovered at about 10.23pm near the main entrance. He was confirmed to have suffered severe burn injuries and had already passed away at the scene.
Firefighting operations were carried out using coordinated sector-based strategies, involving both offensive and defensive approaches. Ventilation work was also conducted to release trapped smoke from inside the building. The fire was fully extinguished by 11.22pm, followed by overhaul work to ensure no remaining hazards were present.
A total of 38 personnel were involved in the operation, including firefighters from several stations such as BBP Jalan Perak, BBP Bayan Baru, and BBP Paya Terubong. Emergency response vehicles, including fire engines and medical emergency units, were deployed to support the operation.
The Fire Control Post was activated on-site to coordinate the response, which continued into the early hours of Sunday morning. Assistance was also provided by multiple agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
Volunteer Fire Brigades from Bukit Bendera, Mount Erskine, Paya Terubong, Kampung Cross Street, and Perak Lane also supported the firefighting efforts.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and assess total losses. Further updates will be released once more information becomes available.
The incident has raised concern over fire safety compliance in commercial entertainment premises, especially in older buildings located within busy urban areas of George Town.
