The fire and rescue department said they were alerted to the fire at about 12.15pm. It said the blaze had destroyed 70% of the double-storey unit.

The department initially said two people were believed to have been trapped.

Malkit Singh, deputy chairman of Penang’s planning appeals board, later told FMT that G San Markan, 88, a senior member of the Malaysian Bar, had died in the fire.

San Markan was also a member of the board.

The fire department later confirmed San Markan’s death and said the other victim was Chandra Binwani Jiwatram, 60.

It said firefighters brought the blaze under control at about 1pm and extinguished it about an hour later.

The first victim was found at 1.05pm, and the second was discovered at about 3.30pm beneath a pile of files.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.