SHAH ALAM: Popular textile company Jakel estimates at least RM100 million in losses from the fire, which broke out at its three-storey outlet in Section 7 here this morning.
Its managing director, Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel, said this figure was only the value of the building and the company was still assessing losses in stock destroyed in the fire that engulfed 80 per cent of the premises.
"The value of the building, comprising 19 shoplots, is estimated around RM100 million. It is nevertheless a big loss to the company since this outlet generated RM300 million in profit annually.
"However, as a Muslim, we have to accept what had happened was fated by Allah.
"I am thankful that no one was injured in the fire," he said when met at the scene.
Faroz said he was informed about the fire, which took place between 7am and 7.15am, from his younger sibling and manager of the outlet.
"I believe that the fire started at the men's department on the first floor of the building.
"Having said that, the authorities are ascertaining the cause of the fire," he said.
Faroz said the company was considering looking for a temporary location so that its sales for Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri would be unaffected.
He said people would usually shop for Hari Raya at the Shah Alam outlet between three and four months before the festival.
Earlier, police said the fire could have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said investigations to determine the extent of damage caused by the fire were ongoing.