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KUCHING, Aug 29: The Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government pledges to work with relevant departments to help owners rebuild their homes which were devastated by a fire in RPR Batu Kawa here.
Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of a young boy what was only six-years-old, who was trapped in one of the five houses consumed by the flames, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian has urgently called upon authorities to swiftly determine the cause of the fire.
He emphasised the importance of this investigation in order to formulate preemptive plans and measures to avert any recurrence of such a devastating incident.
“Equally crucial is the need to raise awareness about fire prevention, including regular inspections of power lines, as well we educating the public about proper responses and escape protocols in the event of a fire,” he said in a statement today.
The fire that erupted at around 1pm on yesterday (Aug 28) resulted in the complete destruction of two houses. A third house sustained 60 per cent damage, the fourth house incurred 50 per cent damage, and the final house experienced 20 per cent damage.
Tragically, the remains of Zayyan Nazeem Zainal Abidin were discovered in an upper-level room of the second house.
Dr Sim had rushed to the scene after chairing a meeting yesterday and was briefed by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
In addition, he also handed over cash aid to the families impacted by this calamity.
Beforehand, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai, along with a team from the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kawa Service Centre, were present at the scene to offer immediate assistance.
They coordinated with community leaders to provide support including settling down the fire victims.
Currently, the fire victims are placed temporarily in a nearby multipurpose hall. Both the Welfare Department and Red Crescent Society are actively collaborating to address their various needs. — DayakDaily
