Fire Breaks Out in Basement Car Park of Johor Bahru City Square Mall

JOHOR BAHRU — Shoppers and workers were evacuated after a fire erupted in the basement car park of the prominent Johor Bahru City Square shopping mall, sending thick plumes of smoke drifting through the lower levels and surrounding streets.

Emergency responders, including local fire and rescue services, arrived at the scene shortly after security personnel raised the alarm.

The blaze originated within the underground parking structure, where localized flames quickly ignited, creating a heavy cloud of dark smoke. The mall's automated fire alarm systems activated, prompting security personnel to initiate immediate evacuation procedures.

Visitors inside the retail levels and adjacent commercial areas were instructed to leave the premises orderly via emergency exits. Outside, crowds gathered along Jalan Wong Ah Fook as emergency crews established a safety perimeter around the building.

Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus entered the subterranean car park to locate the source of the fire and prevent flames from spreading to nearby parked vehicles. Ventilation units were deployed to clear the dense smoke trapped within the enclosed space, enabling search crews to conduct a thorough sweep of the area.

"Our teams responded swiftly to contain the blaze inside the basement level," an emergency official confirmed at the site. "Our main focus is suppressing any remaining hot spots and ensuring the smoke is fully cleared before allowing anyone back inside."

Initial reports indicate that the fire may have started from a vehicle parked on one of the basement levels, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause. No major casualties or serious injuries have been reported so far, though medical personnel remain on site as a standard precaution.

Mall management announced that the affected basement levels will remain cordoned off until safety inspectors complete structural checks and declare the facility safe for public access. An investigation into the origin of the fire is currently ongoing.