SIBU: More than 150 individuals were left homeless after an inferno laid waste to 15 houses in Kampung Hilir here last night (Sept 22).
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the viral post circulating online stating a four-year-old child perished in the incident is false.
Fire and Rescue Department Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said his department was alerted to the fire at 6.43 pm.
A total of 25 firefighters from Sibu Central, Sungai Merah, and Sibu Jaya were rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames.
“The blaze was brought under control by 7.57 pm, and it was completely extinguished by 9.58 pm. The cause of the fire and the total losses are still under investigation,” he said when met by reporters at the scene.
Meanwhile, a heritage house belonging to the family of SIBUFM radio presenter Iskandar Joni, was among the 15 houses destroyed by the fire.
Iskandar, who was not at home when the fire broke out, said he was informed by a friend about the unfortunate event while visiting his friend’s house in Permai.
“I rushed home upon receiving the information, but by the time I arrived, my 78-year-old ‘rumah pusaka’ (heritage home) was already engulfed in flames,” he said.
According to his friend, RTM broadcast journalist Magdelina Jawai, the house, which has classic features, is often used as a filming location for programmes in conjunction with Hari Raya celebrations.
Iskandar was proud of his home, she added.
Another victim, Abu Bakar Junit, said he was just about to go for Maghrib prayers when he smelled smoke.
“I didn’t have time to do anything because everything happened very quickly. I was only able to save important documents. Fortunately, all my family members managed to escape to safety,” he said.
The victims are currently housed at Surau Darul Ma’wa Kampung Baharu while some are staying at relatives’ homes. They have received initial financial assistance from the Baitulmal Fund and the Sibu Social Welfare Department.
