KAJANG: An early morning fire at a nursing home for the elderly in Sungai Long this morning claimed the lives of five people.
Four of them were senior citizens while the other was the home's caretaker.
The nursing home was reportedly operating without a permit.
The senior citizens were identified as Leow Chong Fatt, Teo Hoi Foo, Kwan Sak Seen, all in their 60s.
Also among the dead was Lai Sew Yin, who was in her 70s.
The caretaker, a Pakistani, was identified as Awis Muhammad, 25.
This was confirmed by Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yusoff.
Another resident of the home, Lim Chin Fatt, in his 70s, survived the incident. He was sent to the Kajang Hospital for treatment.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Mohd Sani Harul said the blaze which engulfed the double-storey bungalow was believed to have started about 5am.
He said three charred remains of four senior citizens were found in their respective rooms downstairs while Teo was found dead in the living hall.
Awis' remains were found on the second floor.
At press time, firemen are still trying to ascertain the cause of fire. Sani said preliminary investigations suggest that the fire started from the living hall.
Kajang Municipal Council councillor Lai Wa Chong said checks revealed that the nursing home had been operating without a permit, and the council would consider taking action on the operator, pending investigation.