Kuala lumpur: A man believed to be a Myanmar national was found dead tonight in a fire at a nightclub operating inside the former Odeon cinema building on Jalan Penang. "His body was found near the building's exit after the fire was put out around 11.15 pm. He appears to have been trapped while trying to escape," Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah told Bernama.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the entertainment centre was not open for business because it was undergoing renovations. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in a Facebook post, conveyed his condolences to the victim's family. He also extended his sincere appreciation to all firefighters and emergency responders for their professionalism and rapid response in safeguarding nearby residents and property.

"I was told that firefighters acted swiftly to control the blaze in a short time, successfully stopping it from spreading to neighbouring buildings, including those along Jalan Sri Bahari," he said. The Fire and Rescue Department had earlier received an emergency call about the fire at 8.50 pm, prompting an immediate dispatch of fire engines and personnel to the location.

Upon arrival, crews found the fire already raging, involving a two-storey, 1,393.54-square-metre nightclub called Midnight Black, housed in the former Odeon cinema building.