By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 5: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng praised the strong sense of community among Padungan’s business owners for their swift response to a devastating fire that broke out late in the afternoon that has damaged three shophouses.
In a brief comment shared on a chat group, Wee expressed his gratitude to the Padungan business community for stepping up to assist the shop owners affected by the blaze.
“Some individuals made efforts to help put out the fire and provided bottled water for the firefighters.
“Several shop owners also opened their doors, allowing the motorcycle shop impacted by the fire to park its motorcycles,” he said.
The fire, which occurred around 4pm today, caused significant damage to three shophouses.
A grocery store sustained extensive damage, with 80 per cent of its three-story building affected. Next door, a motorcycle shop’s second and third floors were heavily damaged, while a nearby convenience store saw 40 per cent damage, mainly to its first and third floors.
Wee called for the public to refrain from speculation, as the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Let Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) conduct their investigation and provide an official report,” he urged.
Additionally, Wee advised MBKS councillors in charge of the area to support the fire victims, particularly by providing large bins for the disposal of debris left in the aftermath of the fire. — DayakDaily
