Two killed in Port Klang shophouse fire

Photo: Raymond Manuel

A 66-year-old man and his eight-year-old nephew died in a fire at a three-storey shophouse in Port Klang, while two other people were taken to hospital after suffering breathing difficulties.

Victims trapped on second floor

The fire broke out at premises on Jalan Batu Unjur 9 in Taman Bayu Perdana on Wednesday afternoon. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 5.51pm.

Assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said the second floor of the Class A building, measuring about 20 by 70 square feet, was 90 per cent damaged when firefighters assessed the scene.

The man and boy were believed to have been trapped before emergency crews arrived. Two other people were rescued by members of the public and taken to Klang Hospital because of breathing difficulties.

Bodies found after fire extinguished

Firefighters found the two victims in separate toilets at 6.33pm after the blaze had been extinguished. Ministry of Health personnel confirmed both deaths before the bodies were transferred to the Royal Malaysia Police forensics unit at 10.15pm.

The Fire and Rescue Department's forensics team and K9 Unit carried out an initial examination. The premises were then handed to the department's fire-forensics investigators for further action.

The operation ended at 10.05pm and involved 18 firefighters from the Port Klang and Andalas stations. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the fire, and no conclusion should be drawn before the forensic work is completed.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents and business operators living or working above shophouses should make sure exits remain clear and that everyone knows an alternative route if the main staircase becomes unusable. Smoke can overcome occupants before flames reach them, so anyone discovering a fire should raise the alarm, leave immediately and call emergency services rather than returning for possessions. Tenants should check that smoke alarms work, identify the building's assembly point and report blocked passageways or damaged electrical fittings to the owner or building manager. Visitors staying in converted shophouse accommodation should locate exits on arrival, particularly when bedrooms are on upper floors. Anyone exposed to heavy smoke who develops breathing difficulty should seek urgent medical attention.

13 August 2026