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KUCHING, 5 April – A potentially disastrous fire was averted last night at a public housing flat in Jalan Penrissen, Batu 6, thanks to the brave and quick action of a concerned neighbour who didn’t think twice before leaping into action.
The fire, which started around 8.10pm on the second floor of the flat, could have spread and destroyed multiple units if not for the neighbour’s fast response. The man, a part-time RELA officer based in Satok, acted swiftly after his son-in-law noticed smoke coming from the unit’s veranda.
“I was resting in the room when my son-in-law pointed out the smoke. Without delay, I rushed over to the unit. I knocked, but no one responded,” he said.
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Hearing the commotion, another resident from the third floor joined in and helped kick down the door. The source then quickly switched off the main power and grabbed a fire extinguisher.
“The fire started from an electrical plug. I managed to put it out using just the extinguisher,” he said.
Thanks to his fast thinking, the fire was contained before it could reach other parts of the building. Miraculously, eight units — referred to as “doors” locally — were saved from destruction.
Firefighters from the Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), led by PBK II Operations Commander Kana Tawi, arrived shortly after and ensured the area was safe.
“The fire was successfully put out by the neighbour, and our team confirmed that no other sources of fire remained. Everything was under control by 9.30pm,” the commander said.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how community vigilance and swift action can prevent tragedy.