MIRI: The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) branches in Senadin and Riam have swiftly extended assistance to the victims of a fire that ravaged Tamu Morsjaya Baru in the early hours of Monday (Sept 2).
The fire, which broke out around 3.45am, caused extensive damage to the market, destroying eight out of the 31 stalls.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze, which occurred before business hours.
However, the fire left a trail of devastation, with 30 per cent of the market stalls burnt, along with severe damage to the roofing, ceiling fans, and electrical wiring.
Upon receiving news of the incident, Minister for Transport and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin immediately instructed the SUPP Senadin Service Centre’s team, along with members from the SUPP Riam Sub-Branch, to assess the situation and provide the necessary support to the affected traders.
Leading the site inspection, Cr Jeffery Phang Siaw Foong was joined by fellow SUPP members Cr Kueh Chie Tiong, Cr Yap Siew Jin, and Kapitan Jee Kee Hiong.
Together with officers from the Miri City Council (MCC) and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), they ensured that the affected stall owners received prompt assistance.
The aftermath of the fire revealed that many stall owners lost not only their products but also personal belongings, including furniture and important documents.
One stall owner was particularly affected, losing her identity card, which she had kept in her stall for convenience due to regular inspections by MCC officers.
“While we are deeply saddened by the damage, we are grateful that no lives were lost, and we are committed to helping these traders get back on their feet,” said Phang.
Bomba officers are currently investigating the cause of the fire, while the MCC has pledged to undertake repairs to the damaged market.
Meanwhile, business has resumed for the stalls that were spared by the fire.
