BUKIT MERTAJAM: A recycling factory in Jalan Perindustrian Bukit Minyak was destroyed in a fire, but no casualties or injuries were reported.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director, Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said they received a distress call at 11.37am on Sunday (March 16), and firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene.

"The fire department carried out containment and extinguishing efforts by dividing the operation into four sectors before the fire was brought under control at 2.02pm," he said when contacted by Bernama on Sunday.

Mohamad Shoki said the fire's cause and the damage's extent are still under investigation. Over 100 officers and firefighters from the Paya Terubong, Sungai Bakap, Batu Kawan, and Bukit Mertajam fire stations, assisted by the Padang Lalang, Permatang Tinggi, Kota Permai, Taman Merak Jaya, and Juru Volunteer Fire Brigade teams, were involved in the firefighting operation.

He said that as of 7pm, the fire had been fully extinguished, but fire department operations are still ongoing at the factory as they need to ensure that no embers or flames remain in the area – Bernama.