In a statement today, EPF said there were no casualties and its systems were not affected and business was operating as usual for all functions.
“The data were never in any danger of being compromised by the fire as our data servers are in a secured remote location and supported by world-class back-up and recovery procedures.
However, it said, the Petaling Jaya branch would be temporarily closed and members could conduct transactions at other branches or via i-Akaun.
Initial reports indicated that the fire started on the first floor of the building around 11.50am today and was contained under 30 minutes following quick response by the Fire and Rescue Department.
EPF said it would conduct a thorough investigation and work with the Fire and Rescue Department to ascertain the cause of the fire.
Earlier, the Fire and Rescue Department said it expected to have a full report ready in a week on the fire.
Petaling Jaya Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Hafiz Mat Dali said time was needed to determine the cause of the fire and declare the premises safe for use.
“We will also evaluate the damage suffered.”
Hafiz said the forensic team had completed the task of taking samples from the site of the fire.
About 5pm, EPF staff gathered at the premises to retrieve personal belongings left in the building with the help of firemen.
A total of 527 staff were in the six-storey building when the fire struck, and none of them were injured.
The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department was alerted to the fire at 11.52am and firefighters arrived by 11.58am and brought the blaze under control in 30 minutes.
The fire was believed to have been caused by sparks during maintenance work on the first floor on the outside of the building
Fire and Rescue Department deputy director-general (operations) Soiman Jahid said an inflammable polyfoam was used as cladding for the building structure.
“Based on preliminary checks and investigations, the cladding for the building used inflammable materials and it was not approved by any party.
“The fire began from the first floor (outside) where maintenance work was being carried out. The wind and hot weather also contributed to the spread of the fire.”
He said the fire involved the exterior walls of the building and part of the interior on the sixth floor.
Flammable cladding blamed for rapid spread of fire at EPF building