THE 32 stalls destroyed in a fire on July 28 along the Batu Ferringhi coastline will soon undergo a major overhaul, according to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Rajendran noted that the reconstruction work will only commence after the Fire and Rescue Department’s forensic report is released.
Meanwhile, he said MBPP will proceed with the design works for the new-look stalls in the complex.
The Huma House Hawker Complex, which houses some 40 stalls, was established over four decades ago. It was reported that 32 of these 40 stalls were destroyed in the unprecedented fire.
“Part of the structures at the complex were built by the Penang government, while several others by the operators themselves.
“Several operators who were present at the scene suspected that the fire was caused by a liquid fuel spill from one of the containers held by a staff member working in the water sports area by the coastline, who was reportedly on a motorcycle.
“We cannot confirm anything because investigations are still ongoing.
“This is just the operators’ account of the incident. We must await the official report before making any decisions,” Rajendran said during a media conference at the affected site in Batu Feringghi today.
Rajendran accompanied state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari as they conducted a check at the site earlier this morning.
H’ng said if the suspected cause of the incident is confirmed, the related parties would face stern action as this alleged negligence has halted the business of these affected operators, temporarily.
“While we do not know the amount of losses suffered by the operators, they are all urged to fill a police report, detailing their losses.
“To the water sports operators, I kindly urge them to operate safely as this entire coastline is a major tourist attraction, and we want to be able to upkeep the safety standards for the well-being of everyone,” he said during the media conference.
Meanwhile, Zairil, who is also Tanjong Bungah assemblyman, said that his office will assist the affected operators during this difficult period.
“MBPP will also look into securing a temporary space for the operators to run their businesses while the reconstruction works begin later after the initial proceedings involving the related authorities have been settled,” Zairil said.
On another matter, H’ng said effective Sept 1 this year, all horse-riding activities along the Batu Feringghi coastline will be banned.
“This was a result of the improper management of the horses, as well as complaints received by nearby hotels,” he said.
Meanwhile, M. Muniandy, 70, one of the operators at the complex selling swimsuits and other items, claimed he was present at the time of the fire.
“I saw a man on a motorcycle with four containers of liquid fuel. One container’s cap was not secured properly, causing a spill. When he threw his cigarette butt to the ground, it fell on the spilled liquid fuel and ignited the fire.
“Thank God, nothing happened to the tourists dining having their meals at the nearby hawker stalls,” he said.
Muniandy’s eldest sister has been operating there for 46 years.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud