Temperature checkpoint operating in Malaysia. - Screencapture Via CNA

Temperature checkpoint operating in Malaysia.

Screencapture Via CNA

A fire that broke out at a recycling plant Thursday in Kundang, Malaysia, spread to a polymer resin production facility next door, launching a towering plume of smoke into the sky over the city.

Strong winds had already spread flames to the production facility when the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department arrived at about noon, an official told local media. Nearly a third of the recycling plant had already been consumed by the fire.

Soon responders from nearby Batu Arang, Rawang, Sungai Buloh, Bukit Sentosa and Kota joined those already on the scene, bringing the total of emergency personnel on the scene up to more than 60 people.

Acting together, the mutual aid team brought the fire under control within an hour. Of the two factories, each measuring about 8,000 square feet, flames consumed 80% of the recycling center and 40% of the resin facility.

Of nearly 20 workers on duty when the fire broke, none were injured. However, questions were raised about whether the factories were in violation of government orders to close all non-essential businesses  to address the spread of COVID-19.

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