POPULAR garment and textile retailer Jakel Group has estimated the damage from a fire that broke out at its Shah Alam branch early today will cost the company at least RM100 million.

Managing director Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel said the valuation was only for the building (Wisma Jakel), with the final bill expected to be much higher.

He said the fire was believed to have started at about 7am today and he was informed about it at 7.17am by his brother, who is the branch manager.

“This is a big loss for the company but we accept it as our fate,” he said adding that the annual sales turnover from this branch was about RM300 million.

Faroz said the company will try to find a temporary location in Shah Alam before the arrival of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.

Meanwhile, Shah Alam police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said a short circuit was believed to be the cause of the fire and no casualties were reported.

As of noon today, firefighters from seven stations were still dousing the embers to ensure the fire is completely out.

Earlier, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said the fire had destroyed 80% of the corner shoplot but the fire was brought under control within an hour.

He said the fire had destroyed the interior of the three-storey shop building and the department is investigating the cause of the incident. – Bernama, January 1, 2023.