Kota Sentosa rep wants swift action on fire forensics report as relief efforts intensify for victims

Yap (in white shirt) and community leaders together with officers from Social Welfare Department at the site of the fire at Kota Sentosa commercial area on Jan 10, 2024.

KUCHING, Jan 10: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has urged Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak to expedite the forensics report for the fire that devastated six shoplots yesterday so that the affected shop owners can regain control of their premises for cleaning, restoration works and making insurance claims.

While this request has been forwarded to Bomba Sarawak director Datu Khiruddin Drahman, Yap has initiated various relief efforts for the fire victims including covering the expenses for People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) to guard the affected premises at 7th Mile here.

“To assist in the disposal of burnt debris, the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will provide free roro bins with two bins already delivered to site, with additional bins available if needed.

“I have also contacted Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to find out whether there is any temporary accommodation available for the families affected by the fire who are currently putting up with friends,” he said in a statement today.

Yap along with Penghulu Lai Boon Khee, Kapitan Lee Tho Fung and MPP councillors were at the fire scene yesterday (Jan 9) to monitor the situation. They also returned this morning together with officers from Sarawak Social Welfare Department to coordinate assistance that can be given to the fire victims.

Furthermore, Yap has contacted the Kuching Water Board and Sesco to expedite the restoration of utilities as well as repairs of pipes and electrical wires damaged by the fire.

“In future, when there is a fire of this nature occurring in their neighbourhood, I hope the public will retain their composure and refrain from making reactive statements on social media which is not beneficial to anyone,” he said.

Yap also called on relevant authorities to work with the public to create awareness on the importance of fire safety by ensuring that every household has one portable fire extinguisher, and every business premises has firefighting equipment which are well maintained and in good condition.

The fire, which occurred at about 3.30pm yesterda, resulted in the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy with special needs, who was trapped in the upper-level living room of one of the six affected shoplots.

Teams from the Batu Lintang, Tabuan Jaya, and Kota Samarahan fire stations, involving more than 40 firefighters, managed to control and extinguish the fire by 6pm.

Yap expressed gratitude to Bomba Sarawak for its dedicated efforts in swiftly and systematically bringing the fire under control and preventing the fire from spreading. — DayakDaily