KUCHING, July 23: Betong town was literally on fire this morning — with one incident at Betong Hospital and another at Pasar Lambak, where three old semi-wooden shophouses were razed at around 9.30am.
The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said no one was reported hurt in both incidents, as firefighters continued to contain the fire at Pasar Lambak around noon. The cause of both fires have yet to be ascertained.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Betong Divisional Chief Vernon Kedit, who will be in Betong tonight to see and understand the situation for himself, said he would be visiting related agencies in Betong to see how PKR could work together with them to ensure such incidents would not happen again in the future.
“I was informed by residents that members of Sukarelawan SK Chung Hua Betong and Bomba Rela Masyarakat rushed to the scene to help douse the fire (at Pasar Lambak).
“Unfortunately, a separate fire had also started in Betong Hospital about 2km away, and Bomba was busy putting out the fire at the hospital. After dousing the hospital fire, Bomba rushed over to Pasar Betong,” said Vernon.
Vernon called for a thorough investigation and serious measures to be taken as this was the third blaze in recent months.
“My heart goes out to the victims of the blaze. I shall do my best to assist in any and every way possible,” assured Vernon. — DayakDaily
