Two houses, Surau in Papar razed

Harian Ekspress

Published on: Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Papar: Two double-storey houses and a surau in Kg Tambing, Benoni, near here, were destroyed in a fire at 2.30am on Tuesday.

Three families in the two semi-wooden houses were left homeless in the fire which broke out while they were asleep. But they managed to flee to safety in time.

One of the victims, Ag Timbang Japar, 45, who is self-employed, said he was only able to save himself and his family as the fire spread quickly to another house which was built quite close to his and also gutted the surau.

Acting Fire and Rescue officer-in-charge here, Iszuady Rosli, said eight firefighters and two fire engines were dispatched to the scene upon receiving a distress call at 2.42am and the fire was brought under control at 3.47am and totally put out at 6am.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the blaze, he said, adding that the cause of the fire and the losses are still under investigation.

Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail together with Papar District Officer Iman Ali visited Ag Timbang and another victim, Ag Abbas Hassan, 45, and their family members.

Rahim, who is also Papar Umno Division Chief, donated cash, basic food and kitchen utensils to the three families.

The Government through the district Welfare Office here will also provide assistance to reduce the burden of the three families affected by the fire.