SIBU (Sept 23): A massive fire swept through Kampung Hilir in Sibu last night, reducing 17 homes to ashes and leaving 156 residents displaced. Among the victims is Zuliana Rapaee, 54, who heartbreakingly lost her home for the third time in a fire. The emotional toll is heavy, but the spirit of the affected families remains resilient as they seek to rebuild their lives.
Zuliana’s Resilience Amidst Unimaginable Loss
Zuliana Rapaee is no stranger to tragedy. This marks the third time her house in Kampung Hilir has been destroyed by a fire, with the first incident occurring in 1992 and the second in 2003. Despite this, she has always managed to rebuild, with the help of the Housing Programme for Hardcore Poor (PPRT) after the second fire.
This time, however, the loss feels even more devastating.
“I can only surrender to Allah S.W.T to ease my journey in rebuilding the house that has been completely destroyed this time,” Zuliana told Utusan Borneo.
At the time of the incident, Zuliana and her children were not at home, as they were renting another house nearby. Her damaged home had been undergoing repairs when the fire struck. With no time to save anything, she and her family could only watch as the flames consumed their home.
Abu Bakar’s Emotional Loss: 12 Family Members Displaced
Retiree Abu Bakar Junit, 55, shared his painful experience of how quickly the fire spread.
“I was at home about to pray when I smelled something burning,” he told The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo. “The fire spread rapidly due to the winds, and we could not salvage our belongings.”
Abu Bakar’s two-storey wooden house was home to 12 people, all of whom are now displaced. Despite the material loss, Abu Bakar expressed gratitude that his family members all escaped unharmed.
“My elder sister’s son is sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) today, and lost all his clothes in the fire,” he shared, adding to the emotional weight of the situation.
Like Zuliana, Abu Bakar has lived through fires in Kampung Hilir before, but this is the first time his home was affected. The rapid spread of the flames left little time for anyone to act.
A Race Against Time: Ismail Ahmad’s Desperate Dash
Newly-wed Ismail Ahmad, 38, recounted his desperate rush from Sibujaya upon hearing that his grandmother’s house had caught fire.
“I received a call around 6pm informing me that my grandmother’s house was on fire. I reached the scene around 7pm due to traffic congestion,” Ismail said.
By the time Ismail arrived, his grandmother’s 100-year-old ancestral home had already been consumed by the flames. The loss of such a significant part of their family’s history adds another layer of grief for Ismail and his relatives.
Temporary Shelter for Displaced Residents
As of now, about 69 residents displaced by the fire have taken refuge at Surau Darul Ma’wa in Kampung Baru. The temporary shelter is providing basic amenities and support to families, though the road to recovery for many remains uncertain.
The Fire and Rescue Department’s Zone 4 Chief, Andy Alie, confirmed that the fire destroyed 17 houses, leaving 156 people homeless. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported.
“The close location of houses and strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly,” Andy Alie explained, adding that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Authorities are working to determine the total value of the losses, but for the families affected, the emotional and historical losses are immeasurable.
The Community Responds: Support and Solidarity
In times of tragedy, the community often steps in to offer support. Already, efforts are underway to provide food, clothing, and temporary housing for the displaced families. Local authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have begun coordinating aid to ensure that the victims receive the assistance they need.
For many, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community and resilience in the face of adversity. Families like Zuliana’s, Abu Bakar’s, and Ismail’s will undoubtedly rely on the strength of the Kampung Hilir community to get through this difficult time.
Fire Safety Awareness: A Call for Action
This incident also raises concerns about fire safety, particularly in closely built wooden villages like Kampung Hilir. The community is hopeful that the relevant authorities will take proactive measures to improve fire safety standards and provide more robust disaster response plans.
Fire safety campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas, are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future. While no one can change the events of the past, efforts can be made to protect Kampung Hilir and its residents from experiencing such devastating losses again.
Conclusion: Rebuilding Lives, One Day at a Time
The fire in Kampung Hilir has left 156 people without homes, but not without hope. Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, families are showing resilience and relying on faith and community support to help them through this challenging period. The road to recovery will be long, but the strength of the Kampung Hilir residents is unwavering.