Three-decade-old Ayer Hitam shops destroyed in morning blaze

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 7): Old shops and stalls along Jalan Johor, Ayer Hitam, Johor were razed in a fire this morning, reported the Malay Mail.

The shops were well known for selling snacks such as ‘kerepek’ (tapioca and banana chips), ‘keropok udang’ (prawn crackers) and local fruits.

Ayer Hitam Fire and Rescue station chief Othman Baher told the daily that three fire engines and 14 fire fighters were sent to the location of the fire after receiving a distress call at 7.43am.

“The firemen, from the Ayer Hitam and Yong Peng fire stations, managed to control the blaze at 8.10am,” he said.

Othman added that prompt action by the fire fighters prevented the fire from spreading to the adjacent shops.

He said the department is investigating the cause of the blaze.

The Malay Mail report also said that Ayer Hitam was once famous for its ceramic and clay products such as flower vases, jars and decorative items.