The centre providing medical aid and other assistance to the needy in Kuala Lumpur was razed on Monday night, in what could be a case of arson, the centre founder said.

Pertubuhan Kesihatan Kebajikan Umum Malaysia (PKKUM) founder Elisha Kor Krishnan said the fire, which occurred at 11.30pm, completely destroyed the PKKUM premises on Jalan Raja Laut.

"It was already too late when I reached the office and the firefighters said it was a 100 percent loss," Elisha told Malaysiakini.

The organisation, which serves individuals living with HIV and others in need, lost computers, printers, a sewing machine, furniture, their donation box and important documents, such as the data of the people they serve.

PKKUM staff Mohd Adam Abdullah, who resides in the office, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Hospital Kuala Lumpur after inhaling smoke.

Elisha said the Fire Department informed her it could be a case of arson.

Police report lodged

She lodged a report at Sentul police station on Tuesday and is yet to receive any information on the cause of the fire.

When contacted, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department operations director Samsol Maarif Saribani said the department has concluded its investigations but cannot publicly reveal the outcome.

PKKUM serves individuals living with HIV referred to the centre by Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and by public health clinics in Jinjang, Kepong, Batu Caves, Ampang and Cheras.

It also provides aid to women at the Kajang Women's Prison and works with the Human Resources Department to match those in need with jobs.

Elisha said that PKKUM is in desperate need of assistance to start a new drop-in centre for the community.

She was renting the burnt-down premises with her own salary.

The centre would require at least RM30,000 to resume operations, she said, urging those interested to help to contact her by her email at krishnanelishakor@gmail.com.