SHAH ALAM, Jan 16 — The identities of three charred bodies found in a factory fire in the Olak Lempit industrial area, Banting, on Wednesday, are suspected to be of Rohingya ethnicity.
Kuala Langat District Police chief superintendent Mohd Akmalrizal Radzi said initial identification was made based on recognition by individuals claiming to be the victims’ next of kin.
“So far, all three victims are suspected to be Rohingya. We sent them to Banting Hospital for DNA tests, and three individuals — also Rohingya — have claimed to be relatives, referring to UNHCR refugee cards,” he told Berita Harian.
He added that official confirmation of the victims’ identities will only be announced after the DNA test results are obtained from Banting Hospital.
Meanwhile, police are continuing to investigate why the three individuals were present at the factory, which was reportedly not operating at the time of the fire.
Earlier, authorities confirmed the three charred bodies were discovered during a follow-up inspection by firefighters around 11 am, after the fire was reported the night before at approximately 10.05 pm.
Initial investigations by the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) found that the fire involved a waste oil processing factory as well as a polymer material facility, classified as a Class B building.
The public is urged to come forward with any information to assist the ongoing investigation.
