DAP function ended by smoke emergency

GEORGE TOWN: An appreciation dinner for DAP's Bukit Gelugor parliamentary volunteers for the last general election suffered a glitch after smoke was seen at the upper floor of the Welfare Caring Complex in Jalan Utama.
A speech by Seri Delima assemblywoman Syerleena Abd Rashid was stopped halfway through, when a burning smell emitted from the lights and from behind the stage at around 9pm.
Initially, smoke could be seen billowing out from the lights but the whole hall was totally surrounded soon after.
No spark of fire was spotted while Fire and Rescue Department personnel have rushed to the scene, soon after being alerted.
The lights were quickly turned off, and the hall went totally dark before attendees were ushered to a safer corner of the complex.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, was immediately whisked from the upper floor to the ground floor. He was accompanied by Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, and other state assemblyen who were present for the event.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who hosted the dinner, said it was a very unfortunate incident and hoped for understanding from his parliament volunteers.
"It is believed the cause of fire was due to burning fuse. Luckily nothing untoward happened. I am happy and relieved that we realised it early before something bad happened," he said.
Ramkarpal, nonetheless, assured his election volunteers that another similar dinner would be announced in due time.
His supporters also lauded "Pakatan Harapan" a few times outside the complex after the incident came under control.