Over 600 Left Homeless In Sabah Blaze Ramadan Preparations Up In Smoke

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KUALA LUMPUR: Just 18 days before his second birthday, Mohamad Ramadan Mohamad Riduan lost his family home to a fire that destroyed about 80 houses in Kampung Cempaka, a water village in Likas, early Saturday (March 1).
His mother, Siti Norsahima Mohd Faizal, 22, recounted waking up to the chaotic situation and swiftly gathering essentials while ensuring her children's safety.
“My husband and I woke up to the heat from the burning house just behind us. That was around 5am. We could hear the commotion outside.
“I quickly grabbed our clothes, mostly the children’s, and took important documents.
“We had planned to buy ingredients and other necessities for Ramadan today (Saturday). I guess we’ll have to postpone that now,” said the mother of two.
Siti Norsahima said that boats helped evacuate survivors across the river, though firefighting was hampered by low tide.
Another villager, Redzchal Khalil, 33, injured his foot during the frantic escape.
“When the fire broke out, I made sure my wife and three children got on a boat. After ensuring they were safe, I ran back to grab a few things, especially our documents and some clothes.
“With the fire closing in, I jumped into the mud, thinking it was shallow. It was thigh-deep, and I felt something sharp pierce my leg. I don’t know what it was … maybe a nail or a piece of zinc. I only realised I was bleeding when I reached dry land,” said Redzchal, who then sought treatment at a mobile clinic set up at the relief centre.
Unlike Siti, Redzchal’s family had already prepared for Ramadan.
“I bought everything on Friday because we thought Ramadan started today (Saturday). But fate had other plans, everything went up in smoke,” he added.
Despite having lost most of his belongings, Rosli Hassan, 61, expressed gratitude for his family's safety.
“I may have lost my house, but my wife, four children, and two grandchildren are safe. That’s what matters,” he said.
The fire, which left 669 people from 139 families homeless, was brought under control by 7.32am and extinguished by 11.57am. Some residents are now sheltering at the Likas and Damai relief centres. - Star

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