A 66-YEAR-OLD man died after apparently becoming trapped in a fire that destroyed his family’s more than 100-year-old house in Kampung Gok Kapur, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan in Kota Bharu last night.
The victim, Kong Choo Hock, who was unmarried and lived alone, was found crouching in the bathroom on the ground floor while clutching a water container.
Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director Mohd Fadhlizil Ikram Ahmad Pauzi said Kong was believed to have died from inhaling thick smoke.
He said the victim had no serious burn injuries.
“He is believed to have tried to escape but could not get out because the rear door was still locked.
“He then went to the bathroom, which he likely considered a safer place,” he said.
Kong’s relative, Wee Suey See, 49, said the victim returned from work at about 5pm before preparing dinner.
He said relatives living behind the house later heard a small explosion and went upstairs to investigate.
“After opening the window, they saw flames engulfing the house. In panic, they knocked on the door, but Kong only gave a brief response before falling silent,” he said at the scene on Thursday night.
Suey See said he rushed from Pengkalan Chepa after learning about the fire through the family’s WhatsApp group.
He said Kong lived alone in his late parents’ ancestral home, which had been without electricity for a long time.
“He had no health problems and remained active, working and serving as a RELA member,” he said.
Mohd Fadhlizil said the cause of the fire had yet to be determined and investigations were under way.
Kong’s body was handed over to police for further action. - September 11, 2026
