KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Lafarge Malaysia Bhd said three people have been reported missing after a fire broke out in its integrated cement plant in Rawang, Selangor, today.

A fuel tank at the plant caught fire between 4.15pm and 4.20pm, it said in a statement. The Fire and Rescue Department was on site within 10 minutes and the fire was snuffed out shortly after, it added.

Lafarge said three people have gone missing and a search has been launched by rescue teams.

 “Their families have been informed of the incident and we are keeping them updated of the progress and providing the necessary support. Our prayers and thoughts are with them during this time”, the company said in an update issued at 9pm.

Earlier, Lafarge said the cause of the incident was not yet known, and a thorough investigation will be launched.

“We are working with relevant authorities to assess the extent of the damage,” the company said.

The building materials manufacturer has two other integrated cement plants in Langkawi, Kedah and Kanthan, Perak and two grinding plants in Pasir Gudang, Johor.

A spokesperson from Lafarge confirmed the fire incident and said the number of injured persons, if any, is not known at this juncture.

Shares in Lafarge closed unchanged at RM7 today for a market capitalisation of RM5.95 billion.