Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department Director, Datuk Koh Hong Sun wife with relatives leaving the University Malaya Medical Centre.

KUALA LUMPUR (July 14, 2009) :

Koh Keat Lee, who worked as a chef, was alone in the 32nd floor apartment when the fire broke out about 9.30am and spread rapidly, trapping him.

theSun learnt that he frantically called his father for help, and also spoke to his mother who was with Koh at the time. Seconds later, the line went dead.

Koh and his wife rushed home but by then, dozens of firemen and engines had gathered at the scene and the grim news was broken to them.

It is learnt the fire had destroyed the interior of their unit.

Fire and Rescue Department operations officer Zakaria Mohamad said Keat Lee's body was found burnt beyond recognition at the balcony.

He said 40 personnel from three fire stations arrived the scene in five fire engines within minutes of receiving a distress call.

He said they deployed the building's sprinkler system to control the fire within 10 minutes and doused the flames at 11.30am.

Witnessess said they saw Keat Lee leaning against the metal grille which covered the whole balcony during the fire. They said it appeared as if the flames were too intense inside the unit, forcing him to the balcony. The fire is believed to have started from the kitchen.

Koh Hong Sun with his wife leaving the University Hospital.

Koh and his wife later left the scene for the University Malaya Medical Centre mortuary where a post-mortem was done on their son's body before it was released to them about 3pm. It is learnt Keat Lee's remains will be cremated in Malacca tomorrow.

Keat Lee was the elder of two siblings. Koh's other son, an 18-year-old student, was also at the mortuary with his parents.

Kuala Lumpur police chief DCP Datuk Mohd Sabtu Osman said the cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire and rescue department and forensics police will assist in the probe.

He said initial investigation did not reveal any foul play and it has been classified as a sudden death report.

Dozens of police personnel, including Deputy Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar, CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin and Mohd Sabtu turned up at the condominium and the mortuary to comfort Koh who is due for retirement next year.