Last Saturday, three houses in Kampung Subak Bekenu, Miri were totally destroyed in a fire. The incident happened at about 7pm when the family members were already in the house. According to one of the victims, the incident may have been caused by an electrical short circuit.

As the fire spread too quickly, the occupants were unable to save important documents and their essential items. All their possessions were totally destroyed, including clothing and their children’s school books.

Since there is no fire station at Bekenu, they had made an emergency call to the Miri fire station and the Fire and Rescue Department took about an hour to reach the scene. When they arrived, there were no more items that could be saved.

The three families who lost their homes are pleading for help to be able to rebuild their homes. They are now living with family members and nearby relatives.

Miri PAS had visited the victims at the site and made contributions to help relieve some of the burden. We are very sympathetic to the families, especially their children who are still in school because all their school essentials were totally destroyed.

We urge the Welfare Department and the government agencies to help rebuild their homes as the festive season is so close. As well as books and clothing, their children’s school items were destroyed by the fire should be replaced.

There have been many incidents of fire in the Bekenu area resulting in property being damaged. Since there is no fire station in the area, we urge the government to build a fire station in Bekenu.

This has long been proposed to the government, but until now it has not been met.

If help is only expected from the Fire Department in Miri, it may be too late because the trip takes a long period. At least the government can install fire hydrants near the village area for the public to come to help when there is a fire.

We hope the problem of no fire station and fire hydrants in Bekenu can be addressed immediately. The cooperation and attention of the government to address this issue is greatly appreciated.

JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS deputy commissioner III-cum-Miri PAS chief.