Negri Sembilan fire and rescue department director Norazam Khamis said the blaze at the 20×100 sq ft hostel, which is occupied by 37 students, was detected at 1.50am.

“Our personnel arrived 10 minutes after receiving a distress call and managed to control the fire in 15 minutes and completely doused it after 30 minutes,” he told Bernama here today.

He said the students did not sustain any injury although three who had a history of asthma were rushed to Tampin Hospital for treatment after inhaling smoke.

He said the cause and estimated losses were being investigated.

Eighteen officers and personnel from the fire and rescue station in Rembau, Tampin, and headquarters were involved in the operation.