PRESS STATEMENT - 28 September 2011

INCIDENT AT EMPIRE SHOPPING GALLERY 

At approximately 3.45am, 28 September 2011, two maintenance personnel at the ground floor of Empire Shopping Gallery heard what sounded like an explosion and alerted the building security. A fire was detected and our emergency response was activated immediately. Bomba and Police DiRaja Malaysia were on-site within 10 minutes to control the situation and the fire was put out by 4.10am. 

We have been advised by the Emergency Response Team to halt all operations at Empire Shopping Gallery, and evacuate the building. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, we have evacuated all guests from the Empire Hotel and SOHO and taken measures to ensure their safety and comfort. 

Early reports indicate that two of our security personnel sustained light injuries from the shattered glass shreds. Additionally, two patrons at a F&B outlet were also slightly injured. All have been attended to. 3 cars parked at level B1 and 2 cars parked outside the mall’s ground floor entrance were also damaged. 

Ensuring the safety of our tenants, guests and public, and bringing the situation fully under control remain our order of priority. We are also taking immediate and proactive measures to minimize any impact to the surrounding environment and property. 

At this time of distress, we will focus our attention on the wellbeing of our partners and guests. We will continue to extend every assistance to government authorities, Bomba and police to investigate the cause of the incident.