SANDAKAN: A fire broke out in the early hours of April 29 at Kampung PPH Karamunting along Jalan Karamunting in Batu Sapi, marking the second major blaze in the area within ten days.
The first fire, which occurred on April 19, gutted 1,000 homes in Kampung Bahagia rendering 9,000 people homeless.
The latest incident was reported at about 2.40 am, with flames spreading rapidly across an estimated 3.5 acres of wooden structures. A total of 30 houses were completely destroyed, but firefighting teams managed to save 100 other homes at the illegal settlement from burning.
An emergency call was received via the NG999 system at 3.16 am, and fire engines arrived at the scene – located 16 kilometres from the station – at 3.34 am. Firefighting operations involved three hose lines spanning 500 feet and five water jets drawing from engine tanks, a water tanker and a nearby fire hydrant. The blaze was brought under control by 4.29 am and fully extinguished by 7.01 am.
No casualties or injuries have been reported in either incident, according to authorities.
A multi-agency response was deployed, including personnel from the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station (21), Royal Malaysia Police (8), Civil Defence Force (5), RELA (2), Royal Malaysian Navy (10) and the Social Welfare Department (4). A Control Post has been established to coordinate field operations, while the Social Welfare Department is registering heads of households to facilitate aid distribution.
Preliminary figures indicate that 40 families – comprising 37 local residents and three non-citizens – have been affected, totalling 186 persons. Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Walter Kenson who is also District Disaster Management Committee chairman said a temporary relief centre has been set up at the nearby Kampung Air multi-purpose hall to house affected victims.
The cause of fire remains under investigation. Authorities have urged residents in surrounding areas to remain vigilant following two major incidents within such a short period. – James Leong
The fire at Kampung PPH Karamunting illegal settlement early Wednesday.
