KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 29 -- A 58-year-old factory owner suffered first-degree burns to his hands and neck while trying to put out a fire that destroyed about 80 per cent of his fabric-processing premises in Jalan Bagan Ajam, Butterworth, yesterday evening.

Berita Harian reported that the man was injured while attempting to tackle the blaze before being given initial treatment by Health Ministry personnel and taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department Fire and Rescue Operations Division assistant director John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call at 6.09pm.

"The fire involved a semi-permanent factory that processes fabric for use in sofas.

"The blaze also damaged two motorcy...