KOTA KINABALU – An opposition assemblyman has called for a probe into a fire that killed a family of four in Taman Hungap, Penampang, last Tuesday.
The investigation should be carried out by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, said Phoong Jin Zhe, who is Luyang rep and Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief.
A neighbour of the victims has come forward to dispel claims that the Fire and Rescue Department was given the wrong address, he said.
The neighbour, who wants to be identified only as Chai, gave the right address when he called 999 on the day of the incident, said Phoong.
“According to Chai, he made a call at 2.48am that lasted six minutes and 30 seconds.
“Chai said he did not mention Taman Hungab, Penampang, only once, but numerous times, during the call.
“He was firm that he did not provide an incorrect address to the call centre.”
Phoong said Chai’s statements correspond with those of another caller, identified as Angel, who is said to have called 999 seven times.
State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Misran Bisara said the charred remains of the four victims – Matthew Wong, 50; Jecky Vun Kon Fung, 48; Brendan Wong, 18; and, Eric Wong, 15 – were found about 5am.
He said the department was alerted to the blaze at 2.52am, and personnel brought the fire under control at 3.40am.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Md Ali Ismail said there were four people who called 999, but only one – the first caller – gave the wrong location.
Angel said she gave the correct address to the call centre, while Chai said firemen’s stated arrival time is inaccurate.
He said he was still on the phone at 3.04am, and spoke for two minutes and 37 seconds before firefighters arrived at the scene.
“It is not wise nor strategic for Sabah not to have its own MERS 999 call centre,” said Phoong.
“There are three call centres nationwide, in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Melaka. Why does Sabah not have one?”
He said the Fire and Rescue Department must be held accountable for the incident if indeed there had been a communication error. – The Vibes, September 13, 2021
