The fire, at the Huma House hawker centre next to the Golden Sands hotel, broke out at about 2pm.

The fire and rescue department said firefighters from Bagan Jermal and Teluk Bahang were deployed. They found 32 hawker stalls measuring 100 sq ft each on fire.

“The fire destroyed items for sale as well as several vehicles, including motorcycles,” a spokesman said. The fire was put out at about 6pm.

A resident who declined to be named said the fire started after a spill of diesel fuel meant for speed boats at the sea-sports centre nearby.

Foreign workers hostel ablaze

A hostel for foreign workers burned down in Nibong Tebal this morning, leaving 20 foreign workers homeless.

“All the foreign workers were out when the fire broke out,” said a spokesman for the fire and rescue department.