A SMALL fire broke out in a rubbish chute at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 this morning, leading to thick smoke filling the departure hall of the main terminal.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said 13 firemen from the KLIA fire and rescue station were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 8.30am.

“The fire was in the rubbish chute on the third floor of the terminal and did not affect the building structure. There were no casualties,” he said in a statement.

“We used the first aid hose reel system within the building to extinguish the fire. It was put out at 9.10am. The operation ended at 10.31am.”

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) confirmed the incident in a Facebook post today.

It said the fire did not disrupt flights and airport services.

The airport operator said investigations confirmed that the incident was caused by cigarette butts.

“MAHB wishes to remind guests that there are designated smoking areas at all our airports. Please use them for your convenience and for the safety of our airport community,” it said.

KLIA police chief Imran Abd Rahman said the Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

“If there are elements of mischief or sabotage, the police will conduct a more detailed investigation,” he said. – Bernama, August 3, 2023.