Dennis (fifth right) presenting his personal donation to the 22 fire victims of Long Buang, Apoh in Baram.
LONG BUANG, Baram: A kerosene lamp is believed to have been the cause of a fire which left 22 people from four families homeless in Long Buang, Apoh in Baram, on Wednesday night.
Headman TK Melai Bali disclosed this to Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau who visited the victims late Saturday afternoon, saying that: “We believe that a kerosene lamp in one of the bilik (room) knocked down by a cat started the fire. Most of us still depend on these lamps for light at night and a generator for power.”
In this context, the assemblyman requested the community living in the interior to be extra careful and not to leave any fire source such as a lamp on the floor where it can be knocked down by children or pets. If possible, to place them in high places and not left unattended as children might see it as a plaything.’
Since fires in rural areas are mostly caused by an unattended lamp or stove, Dennis said it is important that they be equipped with a basic knowledge in fire-fighting including equipment.
“With that knowledge, they can prevent or minimise the impact of a fire as it takes time for firemen to reach the site. I encourage those living in the interior to form a voluntary firefighting squad and to be provided with basic equipment and training in fire-fighting,” he added.
During the visit, Dennis announced an assistance of RM10,000 for each of the four families involved in the fire from Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Development Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas while Dennis presented a personal donation of RM300 to each family.
The victims also received donation of used clothing and rations donated by individuals, the business community and organisations in Long Lama.