Was the fire that destroyed a squatter settlement in Noordin Street Ghaut, Penang, intended to get rid of homes and families standing in the way of the delayed Jelutong Expressway?

As speculation runs rife among Penangites, the state authorities have found an unlikely champion in Tanjung member of parliament Chow Kon Yeow, the opposition DAP

Chow, who is the parliamentary representative of the affected area, cast doubt over rumours that there was 'foul play' in yesterday's pre-dawn incident, believed to be one of the worst fires in the state in recent years.

He said "there was no proof, only allegations" in relation to rumours on the cause of the fire, which claimed the lives of two children and left 450 people homeless.

The children — Anatasha Mardiana Abdul Rani, three, and Alwani Zulaika, two — had been locked in a room by their mother, Umi Kalsum Harun, 38, who had gone out to buy food when the fire broke out at about 5am.

Chow said that, in such situations, the public usually questions the effectiveness of the fire department and speculates on the likelihood of certain quarters being involved in clearing obstacles in the path of proposed projects.

"Questions are being asked as to why fires seem to only happen in Chinese populated squatter areas, but I have to say that fires also occur in other areas," he told

malaysiakini , when contacted in Penang today

Settlements saved

The fire in the foreshore area along Pengkalan Weld destroyed more than 50 houses, of which 39 had temporary occupation licences and 10 were illegal structures built by squatters.

Part of the settlement is situated along an area which is to be used for the Jelutong Expressway, which is expected to ease traffic congestion along the coastal roads.

Chow also took to task those who complained about the inefficiency of fire and rescue department personnel.

"I want to be fair to the fire fighters. They arrived in time, and managed to contain the fire and save two nearby settlements," he said.

Penang Keadilan deputy chairperson Cheah Kah Peng had asked why the fire had been allowed to rage for two hours when fire fighters had arrived within six minutes of being contacted. The fire station is located about 700m from the site..

State Fire and Rescue Department director Rusmani Muhamad said 78 firemen in 12 engines, including two volunteer teams from Jalan Raja Uda on the mainland and Air Itam, brought the blaze under control by 7.25am.

Press reports today quoted Rusmani as saying that "the fires spread quickly as it was fanned by strong winds".

Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon has directed a thorough probe into the blaze in the face of rumours that it was due to arson.

George Town OCPD Senior Asst Comm (II) Abdul Wahab Ahmad said investigations are underway and that police have not ruled out foul play.

Meanwhile, Cheah also questioned the lack of will among the state authorities in relocating squatters, despite several incidents of fire in areas that they occupy.

"The state may say that these squatters do not want to move, but has it provided them with a better alternative?" he asked.

"People do not want to move from their current homes because of (difficulties faced) by their families, or due to business and transportation problems."