KUCHING, 27 May 2025 — A fire broke out at a shop building in Block AE, MJC Batu Kawa last night, destroying around 80 percent of its rooftop before firefighters managed to bring it under control after more than an hour of intense operation.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s (JBPM) Operations Centre said they received an emergency call at 10.32pm, prompting a swift response from Batu Lintang Fire and Rescue Station, supported by personnel from Kota Sentosa BBP.
According to Senior Fire Officer I (TBK II) Chaplin Wan, the fire originated from a pile of rubbish on the roof of the permanent shophouse structure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Firefighters quickly deployed a 300-foot-long stream with two nozzles connected to a mechanical pump, using water sourced from a nearby hydrant,” he said.
The operation, which involved two fire trucks and 18 firefighters, successfully prevented the flames from spreading further to neighbouring units. It took exactly 1 hour and 18 minutes to bring the fire fully under control, with the mission officially declared over at 11.50pm.
In addition to the fire crew, personnel from the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) were stationed at the site as a safety measure in case of injuries. No casualties were reported.
Three Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) officers and two Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) members also assisted during the operation by securing the area and managing the crowd.
Authorities have urged building owners and tenants to regularly clear rubbish from rooftops and other fire-prone areas to avoid similar incidents.
