TAWAU: A fire tore through Kampung Baru, Batu 2 Jalan Apas, in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying three houses and displacing 18 residents.
Tawau firefighters received a distress call at 3:17 am and arrived at the scene located 4 km from their station within 10 minutes. They managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures in the village of 50 houses. No casualties were reported.
Other agencies that provided support were the police, Civil Defence Force (APM), Sabah Electricity, and the Kampung Titingan Community Fire Unit. The blaze was fully contained by 4:04 am, and firemen concluded operations after ensuring no further risks remained.
According to APM statistics as at 7:50 am Tuesday, the disaster affected four families, including two senior citizens, eight men, four women, and three children. All lost their homes in the incident.
The cause of the fire and estimated losses are under investigation by authorities.
Meanwhile, the body of a man found hanging from a tree near Taman Megah 9 here on Tuesday morning was sent by police to the hospital.
OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin said police were on the discovery at 10.45 am by the public and classified the case as Sudden Death Report (SDR).
“A post-mortem is expected to be conducted by the coroner on Wednesday to determine the actual cause of death,” he added.
The man who has yet to be identified, is believed to have been dead for several days prior to the discovery of his body.
Meanwhile, the son of a religious teacher lodged a police report at 5.53 am on May 6 stating the Ustaz passed away at the hospital after being found unconscious in their house.
Jasmin said there was no mention linking the death to the fire at Kampung Baru, Mile 2 Jalan Apas in the police report. – James Leong
