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A FAMILY'S preparations for Deepavali were tragically cut short when their home in Jalan Mayang, Teluk Kemang, was destroyed in a fire late Friday night.
The house, which had only been occupied for two years, was left almost entirely gutted by the blaze. The incident occurred around 11pm while 25-year-old R Gobinath was at work and his parents were away in Cyberjaya to collect his younger sibling from college.
“I was on my break around 12.30 midnight when I checked my phone and saw missed calls,” Gobinath told *Sinar Harian* on Sunday. “When I returned the call, that’s when I found out the house was on fire.”
He said the fire is believed to have started in a room near the kitchen before spreading rapidly to the living area and ceiling, destroying nearly the entire house.
The timing of the incident was especially heartbreaking, as the family had completed most of their festive preparations.
“Everything was ready for Deepavali – the new clothes were destroyed in the fire. Even the TV cabinet we bought just two days before was gone,” said Gobinath.
“We’d only lived here for two years. Most of the household items were still new. The full kitchen set was badly damaged too.”
He added that he lives in the house with his parents and three siblings, while another brother resides in Johor Bahru.
“This year was supposed to be special for our family. We spent so much to decorate and prepare the house for Deepavali,” he said.
“Mother had already made muruku. There were just a few more types of biscuits left to bake. Now, it’s all gone. We’ll be celebrating in a rented home, just in a simple way. There’s no festive spirit left.”
Despite the loss, Gobinath expressed gratitude that no one was home when the fire broke out.
“Even though we’ve suffered this misfortune, we’re thankful no one was injured. We were lucky that no one was in the house at the time.”
On Saturday, the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, visited the family to offer his condolences and provide financial assistance to help them through the hardship and support their Deepavali preparations. - October 19, 2025
