KUCHING: Thirteen people who were made homeless when a fire razed two units of semi-concrete houses to the ground at Kampung Bunuk here Wednesday morning.
In a press statement issued, the two families are now taking shelter at their relatives’ house in the same village while waiting for assistance to build a new house.
One of the fire victims, Simek Tugas, 51, a lorry driver said he was away working when he received a call from his wife, Sidap Medi, informing him that their house was on fire.
He quickly rushed home only to find firemen from Batu Lintang Fire Station trying very hard to put out the fire and to prevent it from spreading to nearby houses.
“There are seven people living in my house. We lost everything in the fire. We are unable to save anything as the fire which started from the upper floor of the building spread very quickly. We are now left with only our clothes on our body,” said Simek sadly.
Another victim, Tovi Medi, 50, said his family also lost everything in the fire.
“All important documents, electrical appliances and other belongings, including my son’s motorcycle, were burnt in the fire,” said Tovis who couldn’t contain his tears.
It is believed that the fire broke out due to a short circuit in the upper floor of one of the houses. The two families are still trying to assess their losses in the fire.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Chong Chieng Jen, who is also MP for Stampin and assemblyman for Kota Sentosa, donated RM1,500 to each of them through his political secretary, Sanjan Daik.
Sanjan said anyone who wished to offer help can make donations in either cash or in the form of goods can contact the victims directly; Simek can be contacted at 013-5605893 and Tovis can be contacted at 019-8846783.
