BUTTERWORTH: The state government has advised the owners of two giant fuel depots beside the ferry terminal and Penang Sentral temporary bus terminal in Jalan Pantai here to consider relocating in the interest of public safety.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Thursday night's fire, which razed more than 20 shophouses located barely 50m from the depots, could have turned disastrous if the fire had not been not contained in time.

“The managements of both the Esso and Shell depots have long-term plans to relocate to a more isolated area in the future.

Danger lurks: A general view of the charred remains of the shophouses after the fire in Jalan Pantai, Butterworth, with the fuel depots in the background.

“We hope the companies will seriously look into the plans in view of the safety of commuters who frequent the bus complex and ferry terminal daily,” he said after visiting the fire scene here yesterday.

On Thursday, firemen averted a disaster when fire broke out near the giant fuel depots at about 11pm, destroying more than 20 eateries, ticketing counters and shops in Jalan Pantai.

Firemen who brought the fire under control within 25 minutes were initially worried that the intense heat from the scene might affect the two huge fuel depots, which were a stone's throw away.

Lim praised the firemen, including voluntary fire fighters, for their efficiency in preventing the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

“About 25 personnel from each fuel depot used water and chemical foam to cool down their respective fuel tanks during the fire.

“The companies have necessary emergency contingency plans in place to counter such eventualities but in the long run, it would be better for them to relocate their operations elsewhere,” he said.

Lim also said he would use his Bagan parliamentary constituency allocation to provide temporary relief aid to occupants of the affected shop units, noting that the state TYT Disaster Relief Fund did not have provisions to cover commercial buildings.

He said the state Welfare Department had so far noted down 10 shophouse units that had business licences, of which eight paid assessment to the Seberang Prai Municipal Council.

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