The Fire and Rescue Department will work closely with the police if foul play is detected in the fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah school in Jalan Keramat Ujung in Kuala Lumpur early yesterday.

Fire and rescue director-general Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said they were currently investigating from the point of negligence and technicality and the investigation was expected to take two to three weeks.

“We are in the midst of identifying the actual cause of fire from various angles, including by recording statements from the premises owner, survivors and witnesses at the scene.

“If any elements of treason or foul play detected, we will submit a report to the police for further investigation,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

The 5.15am fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah school resulted in the deaths of 21 students and two teachers after they were trapped in the building that had grilles on the door and windows.

According to Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director, Khirudin Drahman, an initial investigation into the fire at the school found that it was not caused by a short circuit.

He said the forensic findings and the Energy Commission confirmed that the electrical circuit from the school building’s main switch was in good condition.

- Bernama