The tragic opening of 2023 for the famous textile company, Jakel when the second most advanced branch in Shah Alam suffered a terrible fire.
People flocked to witness the incident as the fire lasted throughout the day and went viral on all social media.
The incident occurred on January 1 at around 7am with the fire said to have started on the 1st floor, reportedly caused by a short circuit.
At the time of the incident, the premises were not in operation and there were no workers inside.
According to Jakel Group Managing Director, Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel, the losses suffered are estimated at around RM100 million for the value of the building which involves 19 shophouses and 5 five-storey shophouses.
The amount does not include the products and sale items that were completely burnt by the fire.
Allegations arose that the fire was intentional to get an insurance payment claim, but Mohamed Faroz denied it because he said the allegation was illogical.
The Jakel branch in Seksyen 7, Shah Alam is the second most advanced building after Jakel Mall Kuala Lumpur and generates a profit of up to RM300 million a year.
In addition, the festive season is approaching and it is not reasonable to do such a 'dirty trick' when it is the peak time for customers to visit the sales premises.
At the end of the year sales and a few months before the Eid al-Fitr festival, the addition of the company is progressing rather than problematic, it is illogical to deliberately 'burn' the business.
With regard to the viral video of fire officers carrying sniffer dogs after the fire was successfully extinguished, Selangor Fire Investigation Division Assistant Director Norizham Mohd Nurdin informed that it was a normal procedure in fire investigations.
Despite suffering huge losses, Mohamed Faroz was pleased with this incident and stated that there is wisdom behind it.
He invited loyal Jakel customers to visit the main premises at Jakel Mall Kuala Lumpur, Bangi and Bandar Tun Hussien Onn, Cheras.
In addition, Jakel will look for a temporary location around Shah Alam for sales in conjunction with Ramadhan and Aidilfitri due to the branch being the focus of many.
