Kota Kinabalu: State Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being Datuk James Ratib said swift action is being taken following the fire that destroyed the Tangkarason Health Clinic in Beluran around midnight on Wednesday.
“The health services of 2,738 residents are affected, so this matter needs to be dealt with urgently,” said the Sugut Assemblyman.
“We are still waiting for the results of the investigation on the cause of the fire.
He said there are two other clinics in the area, namely the Paitan Health Clinic located 29km away and the Sungai Sungai Health Clinic (50km).
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah's Mengalum for world’s first net zero carbon island resort Taiwan’s Sinyi Group is on track to unveil the world’s first unique net zero carbon island resort on Mengalum Island. . Read more He said a new clinic would take an estimated six months to build. If staff quarters is taken into account, it may take 9 months.
“For Level 6 Health Clinics, allocations will be channelled based on discussions and decisions with the State Health Department (JKNS) and the Ministry of Health (KMM).”
The operations have been moved to the Kampung Tangkarason Multipurpose Hall, Sabah Health Director Dr Asits Sanna said.
The relocation was necessary to ensure continued access to health services in the area.
“The entire wooden structure of the clinic and the quarters, including all assets and medical equipment were completely destroyed in the fire.
No injuries or casualties were reported and the cause of the fire is still being investigated,” he said in a statement.
In the 1 am incident, firemen from the Beluran Fire and Rescue Station were rushed to the scene which is located 215 km from the station.
The firemen brought the blaze under control at 6.20am.Meanwhile, Beluran BBP Station Head PPgB Edoen Macheal said the incident happened around midnight.
“An emergency call was received through the MERS999 line at 1.08am and four firemen led by John Francis Andam rushed to the location.
“Arriving at the scene 215km from the station, we found the Clinic and 60x30 sq ft non-permanent workers’ quarters 100pc burnt.
The fire brigade extinguished the remaining fire using water from a nearby pond. No casualties were reported,” he said.
Assistant Medical Officer Melvin Edward said he made sure all light switches, fans, air conditioners and medical equipment were turned off before leaving the clinic.
“Around 11.58pm, I received a call from my wife that the Clinic was on fire. My wife and child managed to save themselves. The health workers and their families who lived in the nurse’s home also managed to save themselves,” he said.
Melvin said the villagers tried to put out the fire but failed because there was not enough water supply.
Due to the very long distance from the Beluran Fire Station to the Tangkarason Health Clinic, they were unable to respond to this case immediately.
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