The iconic Jalan Gasing premises of the former Employees Provident Fund (EPF) building has been engulfed in flames.

Around 10:45 AM, videos started surfacing on social media, capturing the alarming sight of thick smoke billowing from the six-storey structure adjacent to the Federal Highway.

The fire has been officially confirmed by the fire and rescue department, raising concerns about the safety and preservation of the historical site.

A visual metaphor of your EPF saving going up in smokes. pic.twitter.com/sIjHl4YROe

— Hadi Azmi (@amerhadiazmi) May 22, 2023

This building has remained unoccupied since a fire broke out in February 2018. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported during that incident. The 63-year-old office building was undergoing renovations and was set to be reintroduced as a state-of-the-art senior living facility by late 2024.

The latest fire has cast doubt on the future of the building's restoration plans and has left many wondering about the extent of the damages incurred. Firefighters and emergency responders are working tirelessly to control and extinguish the flames, hoping to salvage what remains of the structure.

Authorities and heritage preservation organizations are likely to conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess the impact on the building's structural integrity. Efforts to restore and repurpose the building as a senior living facility may face delays and additional challenges as a result of this unfortunate incident.

For now, the focus remains on the safety of nearby residents and commuters, as well as the dedicated personnel working diligently to contain the fire. 

TO BE UPDATED