SANDAKAN: Sundry shop operator Mohammad Zarman Salamat, perished in an early-morning fire that completely destroyed a wooden house and a shop in Kampung Batu Putih, here on Sunday.
The charred remains of the 30-year-old man was discovered at 6.00 am and subsequently handed over to the police for further action. An emergency call was received at 4.56 am, with firefighters arriving at the scene—located 9 kilometres away—by 5.05 am. The 60×40 sq ft house and 15×40 sq ft shop were razed to the ground in the incident
Firefighters brought the situation under control by 5.24 am and concluded operations at 8.30 am after ensuring no further hazards remained at the location.
The operation involved 12 personnel from the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station, assisted by three policemen and six RELA members, led by PBK I Haris Mustapha, officer-in-charge of station Jimmy Lagung disclosed.
In separate developments in Tawau, police arrested two women, aged 19 and 20, for allegedly being involved in brawling and causing property damage at a restaurant in Bandar Fajar.
Both are under investigation under Sections 160 and 427 of the Penal Code. One of the suspects, a foreigner without valid travel documents, is also being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Meanwhile, police detained a 26-year-old man for criminally intimidating his ex-wife with a sharp weapon during a dispute over their child in Kampung Kurnia Jaya. Checks revealed he was also a foreigner residing illegally in Malaysia, leading to additional charges under the Immigration Act alongside Section 506 of the Penal Code.
Acting OCPD Supt. Wilynton Enchana Watt, praised the swift arrests as proof of the district police’s commitment to public safety. He urged local folks to continue reporting criminal activities to ensure community harmony and well-being are always preserved. – James Leong
Sandakan firemen battling the blaze at Kampung Batu Putih on Sunday.
