KUCHING: A power outage that crippled the fire safety systems at Mydin Petra Jaya posed the biggest challenge for firefighters responding to a blaze at the hypermarket today.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Director, Jamri Masran, said the electricity supply had tripped during the incident, causing key internal fire-fighting systems including the hose reel to become unusable.
“As the power was already down when we arrived, none of the building’s fire systems could operate. Only the mechanical smoke extraction system was functioning, but it was not effective,” he said at the scene.
With the building’s systems down, firefighters had to rely entirely on external hydrants and their own equipment to bring the flames under control.
Jamri said the Petra Jaya fire station responded within 10 minutes, assisted by teams from Batu Lintang and Tabuan Jaya.
“Although the fire originated from a small shop lot on the first floor, the size of the complex caused thick smoke to spread quickly.
“The main challenge was the heavy smoke inside the building, made worse by the power outage.
“We channelled the smoke out through the roof and the mechanical system,” he said, adding that all customers and staff were safely evacuated without any casualties.
Following the incident, Mydin, in a statement, confirmed the incident occurred at about 11:39 am and involved one shop lot on the first floor.
The company said all customers and employees managed to exit the building safely with assistance from Bomba and Mydin staff.
“Mydin Vista Tunku remains under supervision and will resume normal operations once clearance and approval are obtained from the Fire and Rescue Department,” the management said.
Bomba has fully extinguished the fire and is now carrying out overhaul work to remove remaining smoke and ensure no hidden embers remain. An assessment of the building’s fire system failure is ongoing.
