A major morning fire has destroyed around 40 houses in a Tawau village, leaving residents displaced as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.
TAWAU: A morning fire has destroyed approximately 40 houses in Kampung Titingan.
The blaze broke out near Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Titingan.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 10.15 am.
Three fire engines arrived at the scene just eight minutes later.
Firefighters used water from open sources and department tankers to battle the flames.
The fire was brought under control by 12.03 pm.
Department Tawau Zone chief Moilley Milin confirmed no casualties have been reported so far.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
One victim, Saparida Ambuolo, was performing her solat dhuha at 10 am.
She heard neighbours shouting about the fire.
“When I came out of the house, I saw that the fire was already in the middle of the village,” she said.
She was home alone as her children were at work.
She asked villagers to help save belongings like her television and washing machine.
This is the second time she has experienced a fire.
“After this, I do not know where I will live,” Saparida added.
She hopes the government can provide housing for victims.
She said she accepts the incident, which occurred ahead of Ramadan, as fate.
No preparations had been made to welcome the holy month.
