Fire and rescue department deputy director-general (operations) Ahmad Izram Osman said cases involving possible electrical causes were referred to FIvEL, which specialises in analysing fires linked to wiring systems and electrical equipment.

“We need precise confirmation before announcing the cause, as this also involves other agencies such as the Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Bhd,” Bernama reported him as saying in Butterworth today.

He added that results are expected within two weeks.

The blaze on Monday afternoon claimed the lives of veteran lawyer San Markan Ganapathi, 88, and clerk BJ Chandra, 60.

Izram also urged building owners, particularly those of heritage or pre-independence structures in Penang, to reassess fire safety measures.

He said many older buildings were not constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 and often featured wooden structures and ageing wiring systems that posed higher risks.

“I have asked the Penang fire and rescue department director to engage with heritage building owners’ associations to address this issue. We will conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards,” he said.