Penang: The Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has collected several evidence samples from the scene of a fire at a former entertainment outlet on Jalan Penang here last night that claimed the life of a Myanmar construction worker. State director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the samples, including those taken near where the victim's body was found, would be sent to the Fire Investigation Laboratory for analysis, with results expected in about 14 days.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two-storey heritage building, which ceased operating as an entertainment outlet in February, was undergoing renovation to be converted into a restaurant when the fire broke out. "Based on preliminary investigations, the fire is believed to have originated in the middle section of the ground floor. Both the front and rear entrances were found locked during the incident," Mohamad Shoki stated.

Mohamad Shoki further mentioned that about 70 per cent of the building was destroyed, while the losses, ignition source and cause of the fire remain under investigation, with the K9 Detection Unit assisting investigators. The department received an emergency call at 8.50 pm. The body of the victim, identified as Mohamad Boshi Sabi Ullah, 56, was found on the ground floor near the front entrance.

In a statement, Timur Laut deputy police chief Supt Lee Swee Sake said the death had been classified as a sudden death and investigations were ongoing.