4WD believed to be involved in JB mall fire

Fire engines reached the basement car park of Johor Bahru's mall just six minutes after receiving an emergency call at 3.40pm, according to Larkin fire and rescue station chief Suhaimi Abdul Jamal. The department, which involved 52 personnel from Larkin, Tebrau, Kempas fire and rescue stations, Ulu Tiram volunteer fire brigade and the mall's emergency response team, was on-site within minutes of the call.

Eleven vehicles were affected by the blaze, with eight sustaining 80% to 90% damage, two 30% to 40% damage and another 10% damage. Four individuals, including a Singaporean, experienced breathing difficulties during the incident but only one was taken to Sultanah Aminah Hospital for further treatment and is currently in a stable condition.

Suhaimi noted that the mall's smoke extraction and fire safety systems played a crucial role in aiding firefighters' efforts to navigate the thick smoke and conduct investigations. Following the fire, the mall temporarily closed and resumed normal operations around 7pm. However, the basement car park remains closed as the fire and rescue department's forensics unit investigates the cause of the fire and assesses the losses incurred.