People around the Keramat area were left in shock as several shops in the iconic Pasar Dato Keramat burned down on 17th March.
Multiple photos and videos were shared online showing the stalls being engulfed in flames while onlookers anxiously looked on, while some volunteered to help put out the fire.
Photo via Netizens
The fire, which occurred at around 5:26pm, caused heavy traffic around the location and also affected traffic on the AKLEH highway, namely from Jalan Tun Razak towards Ampang.
According to the New Straits Times, over 40 stalls were destroyed. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this harrowing incident.
Photo via Netizens
According to City Fire and Rescue Department Senior Operations Commander, Mohd Fahmi Abd Rahim, the fire most likely started from a shop located at the front row, and quickly spread to its surrounding shops.
He said the lack of concrete partition walls made it easier for the fire to spread to neighbouring shops.
Photo via Bomba KL
He added that it took 58 firemen from four fire stations to control the fire, before it was completely put out at 6:40pm.
Photo via Bomba KL
The market, which has been operating on Jalan Datuk Keramat for more than 45 years, is one of the city’s oldest markets.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
By: Amy Shariffudin
