SANDAKAN: A wooden stilt house left vacant four years ago and undergoing repair since beginning of this month, collapsed at Jambatan 1 Kampung Berhala Darat Sim Sim early Saturday.
No casualties were reported as rescue agencies including Civil Defence Force, Sandakan firemen and police responded to a distress call following the 2.00 am incident.
Tanjong Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung and his aide Liau Fui Fui, visited the site to assess the situation and also meet with the affected house owners.
The collapsed house was reportedly unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. However, an adjacent house was partially damaged when a section of its structure gave way, causing the corridor pathway to tilt and posing a high safety risk to residents.
Concerned about the situation, Poon provided immediate financial assistance to the affected homeowners for repair and structural reinforcement works. This is to prevent further damage that could endanger local residents.
Additionally, he contributed funds to cover the transportation costs for clearing the debris and provided refreshments for volunteers assisting in the demolition of the damaged structure.
Poon urged villagers to remain vigilant about the structural integrity of their homes, particularly in high-risk water-based settlements. The State Government, through relevant agencies, will continue monitoring safety conditions in the area and take necessary measures to ensure public welfare. – James Leong
