KUALA LUMPUR • Three young survivors of a religious school fire in Malaysia are recovering well, showing signs of alertness and able to communicate.

Kuala Lumpur Hospital director Zaininah Mohd Zain said the three pupils - Muhammad Shahir Sharifuddin, 11; Zunnun Misri Masrun and Indra Kurniawan, both 12 - suffered about 20 per cent burns and other injuries in the deadly blaze.

"Their vital signs are stable and they are alert and cheerful," she said.

Datuk Zaininah said Zunnun is now able to move himself in bed, while Indra can respond to simple conversation.

Muhammad Shahir is also able to eat small amounts of normal food.

Dr Zaininah said the boys should be discharged in about two weeks' time, depending on their rates of recovery.

On Sept 14, a fire destroyed the topmost floor of the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school in Kampung Datuk Keramat, killing 21 students and two wardens.

Seven youths aged between 11 and 18 were arrested two days later.

Two 16-year-old suspects now face murder charges.

Five youths, including the two accused of murder, were also charged with taking drugs.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK