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AN 81-year-old disabled woman was found dead after her home in Jalan Lahat, Simpang Pulai, near Ipoh, was almost completely destroyed in a fire on Wednesday night.
The victim, Noriah Mat Desa, who was both deaf and mute, was discovered charred in the living room at the centre of the house. Her 79-year-old younger brother survived after managing to escape the blaze.
Deputy Director of Operations for the Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad, said the emergency call was received at 10.31pm and fire engines from the Simpang Pulai station were dispatched immediately.
“Upon arrival, we found the fire had engulfed nearly the entire house and a person was trapped inside. After completing firefighting operations, the victim was discovered deceased in the living room at the centre of the residence,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The house, classified as a Class A dwelling, was approximately 90 per cent destroyed by the flames.
Sabarodzi added that the Fire Investigation Unit, together with police, had begun inquiries at the scene to determine the cause of the fire, with assistance from the K9 Detection Unit.
“The victim’s body has been handed over to the police for further action,” he said.
Seventeen firefighters from the Simpang Pulai station were involved in extinguishing the fire, supported by crews from Pasir Puteh station and the Pekan Baru Volunteer Fire Brigade. Water was sourced from fire engines and nearby hydrants, allowing the blaze to be contained by 11.20pm, with operations officially concluded at 1.01am.
Authorities emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing to ascertain the origin and circumstances of the fire. - February 26, 2026
