KUANTAN: Century-old wooden furniture from China, a Chinese-character typewriter and an antique mirror were among the valuables in the Kwong Siew Association’s collection that were destroyed in a fire in Jalan Mahkota here yesterday.
The association is one of the oldest clan associations in Kuantan and occupies the upper floor of one of three pre-war double-storey shophouses that were razed in the 8.30pm incident.
Its chairman, Cheong Lai Chee, 65, said the fire destroyed priceless documents, photographs, magazines and reading materials related to the association, some of which date back more than 100 years.
She said the association had 1,300 members.
“This building served as a common area where our members gathered to plan activities and organise festivals.
“Next month, the association was supposed to host a lantern festival and a feast for our members, but we cannot do it anymore.
“Four sets of antique wooden chairs and tables, more than 100 years old and brought from China, were among the priceless items reduced to ashes in the fire.
“We could not save anything. We are eager to inspect the premises once the Fire and Rescue Department allows it to see what can be salvaged,” she said outside the razed premises here today.
Cheong said no one was at the premises during the incident as the office was only open between 9am and 5pm.
“I was informed about the fire about 9.30pm and immediately rushed to the premises.
“It was already too late as the building was completely engulfed in flames.”
The ground floor of the same building houses a bundle shop.
Owner Ahmad Syukri Mazlan, 33, said he was performing Isyak prayers at the back of the shop when a neighbour alerted him to the fire.
“I saw sparks of fire on the upper floor. I immediately carried out racks of shoes and clothes. Several passersby helped me move the items to a safer place.
“About 15 minutes later, we were told to leave as the fire was spreading and there were concerns the structure might collapse.”
He said he was undecided about his business operations, but would decide soon whether to reopen or relocate.
The Fire and Rescue Department, in a Facebook post, said a carpet shop next to the bundle shop was 80 per cent destroyed.
“The fire destroyed the premises above the carpet shop, the association office next door and the upper floor of a third unit in the same row. No casualties were reported.”
More than 40 firefighters and officers from the Kuantan, Taman Tas, Indera Mahkota and Gebeng fire stations were deployed to control the blaze.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
