A devastating fire early Saturday morning in Kampung Cempaka, Likas, in Sabah has left 669 residents homeless after approximately 80 makeshift homes were engulfed in flames.
Sinar Harian reported that the tragic incident occurred just a day before the start of Ramadan for Muslims.
The fire rapidly spread, destroying the settlement homes which were built with non-durable materials. According to Agustavia Joe Guasi, the Head of the Lintas Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), the fire department was alerted at 5:41 AM.
"We received an emergency call at 5:41 AM, and 11 personnel from our station, along with 16 members from the Kota Kinabalu Fire and Rescue Station, rushed to the scene, located about five kilometers from the Lintas Fire Station," Agustavia said.
He added, "Based on estimates provided by the village chief and the affected residents, approximately 80 squatter homes were completely destroyed in this incident. Initial reports indicate that 669 individuals, comprising 139 families, have been displaced by the fire."
Agustavia confirmed that no casualties have been reported.
“The firefighting efforts were carried out using water from nearby river sources and tanker trucks. Our teams worked tirelessly to control the flames," he said.
"We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available," he added in his statement on Saturday.
Two Killed in Penampang
A devastating fire early this morning in Kampung Limbanak, Penampang, claimed the lives of two individuals.
Bernama reportred today that according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), one woman is believed to have died from an electric shock, while a man was found burnt beyond recognition in the blaze, which occurred around 3:00 AM.
The woman who died is believed to be in her 50s. The authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the man who perished in the fire.
"The fire department received the emergency call at 3:26 AM. The blaze completely destroyed a semi-permanent house, leaving it 100 percent burnt.
“According to eyewitnesses, three people were inside the house at the time of the fire. One more victim is still unaccounted for and is being searched in the vicinity of the house.
“A K9 search unit has been deployed to assist in the ongoing operation," the statement from JBPM read. – March 1, 2025
