SANDAKAN: An unoccupied wooden house on stilts collapsed Saturday in Jambatan 1 Kampung Sim-Sim, with no injuries reported.
The house has been vacant for the past four years and was in the process of being repaired, the pillars of the house were also found to be rotten.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Jimmy Lagung said his team rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 1.57 am.
The team inspected the house to ensure no other danger existed, and the operation ended at 3am, he said.
Police personnel were also at the scene.
Meanwhile, Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung visited the scene with his Secretary, Liau Fui Fui, who is also Jetama Water Sdn Bhd Chairman.
They found that the neighbouring house was also affected when part of its structure collapsed, causing the pathway to tilt and pose a high safety risk to residents.
To prevent further damage that could endanger the people’s safety, Frankie provided immediate financial assistance to the affected homeowner for house repairs.
He also contributed funds to cover transportation costs for the building materials that had collapsed to be brought to land, and provided necessities such as drinks to the volunteers assisting in dismantling the damaged house structure.
“I urge the village residents to always be alert regarding the condition of their home structures, especially in high-risk water-based areas.
“The State Government, through the relevant agencies, will continue to monitor safety conditions in the area and take appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of the people,” he said.
In addition, the Sandakan Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) also went to the scene after receiving an emergency call from residents.
Two weeks ago, another house also collapsed at Jambatan 18 in the same village.
