Kota Kinabalu: Twenty-three stilt houses at the remaining section of Kampung Tanjung Aru Baru were destroyed in a fire – the third such incident reported in the water village in less than two months – early Sunday.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said no one was injured in the fire, which broke out at 4.30am.
“Firemen from the Kota Kinabalu station rushed to the scene about three kilometres away after receiving an emergency call at 4.32am, and they were assisted by their Penampang counterparts to put out the blaze,” it said in a statement, Sunday.
Five cars and six motorcycles were also destroyed in the fire, which was put out at 8.03am. Fire raging in that village in the wee hours.
Firemen had difficulty reaching the scene because of the narrow pathways in the village, said the statement.
The cause of the fire and loss incurred have yet to be determined.
A fire on May 25 destroyed 33 houses in the village, while another blaze on July 6 razed 10 houses.
Meanwhile, residents in the locality said they heard several explosions.
“We heard something exploding from the other side of the village, some said it was a fish oxygen tank,” said one resident known only as Wali, adding there were at least two explosions.
The 30-year-old, who has been staying in the locality for the past three years, said the explosion was so loud that it could be heard by those staying near the Sutera Harbour area.
Also at the scene was Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong who identified the affected area as Kg Tanjung Aru Kabel.
“We are still waiting for the latest updates from City Hall and the Welfare Department,” he said, while assuring that his side will do their level best to help those affected.
Meanwhile, the Luyang Community Hall will be used as a temporary shelter for the fire victims.
A decision on this was reached after discussions with various government departments and agencies, including the Luyang Community Development Unit (UPPM) and Kota Kinabalu Mayor, said Luyang Community Development Leader cum SAPP Vice President Gee Tien Siong.
He said there is nothing for Luyang residents to be worried about as this arrangement was discussed and informed to all relevant agencies.
“There will be officers, police and Rela personnel stationed at the community hall round-the-clock to ensure security and safety, as well as maintaining order, while City Hall will ensure cleanliness of the area,” he added.