MIRI, Nov 4: A total of 25 villagers from eight families were left homeless after their 23-door longhouse, Rumah Long Balau Seridan in Ulu Baram was razed to the ground in a fire at about 12 midnight.
According to Miri zone fire chief PgKB I Law Poh Kiong, Marudi fire station chief PPgB Maureen Sim was notified of the incident through social media posting at 7am.
No injuries were reported.
It was understood that the journey to Long Balau, which is under the jurisdiction of the Bario sub-district office, takes about nine hours via timber road, depending on weather conditions.
“Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) air unit deployed its helicopter Augusta AW 189, bringing fire investigators as well as food aid from Miri Social Welfare Department and Red Crescent Society. The flight piloted by TPgB II Mohd Hasrizal Kamaruzzaman and PKPgB Safri Rambli departed at 12.15pm.
“Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala also joined in the flight to visit the victims and handed over a contribution of RM5,000 for immediate relief,” Law disclosed in a statement.
The cause of the fire and value of property loss is yet to be ascertained.— DayakDaily
