SUNGAI PETANI: A couple was among five Indonesians who perished in a fire involving four houses in Kampung Sungai Gelugor, Taman Petani Jaya near here yesterday.
The husband of one of the victims is fighting for his life at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital.
Kuala Muda police chief ACP Saifi Abdul Hamid said the victims in the 4am blaze were identified as Mat Holil Tubat and wife, identified only as Ume; Habi and Tobiyah, all of whom were in their 40s; and Misbah Hul Anwar, 19.
He said Tobiyah’s husband, Samsul, 45, who sustained 70 per cent burns has been warded at the hospital’s intensive care unit.
“The details of the victims, comprising three men and two women, were obtained from statements and identification of relatives and friends.
“This is because their personal identification documents were believed to have been destroyed in the fire. The remains of the victims will be identified via DNA,” he added in a statement here yesterday.
Saifi said the bodies were sent to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar.
He said initial investigations revealed the four houses accomodated a total of 20 people, including the deceased and the injured. — Bernama