SIBU – The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) has stepped in to provide immediate assistance to tenants and residents displaced by a fire that damaged a three-storey shophouse complex on Jalan Khoo Peng Loong.
The intervention aims to support those who have lost their homes or livelihoods due to the incident, ensuring they receive necessary aid during this difficult period.
The Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, confirmed that her ministry is working closely with the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) to address the concerns of the affected parties.
She stated that officials have been tasked with explaining the situation to the tenants and business owners, providing clarity on the next steps and available support mechanisms.
This collaborative approach seeks to bridge the gap between government agencies and the private sector to ensure a coordinated response.
Regarding the structural integrity of the building, Dato Sri Fatimah highlighted that insurance coverage plays a crucial role in the recovery process.
She noted that as long as insurance premiums are up to date, the claims process would be managed by the relevant insurance agencies in coordination with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM).
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Wellbeing has also been engaged to clarify issues related to the rental agreements and the status of the premises.
Since the building has been deemed unsafe for occupation, it has been closed off to prevent further risk, and the structure will not be reused until thorough assessments and repairs are completed.
The minister emphasised that the welfare of the displaced individuals is a priority, urging the media and public to focus on the humanitarian aspect rather than speculative narratives.
She assured that the government is committed to helping the victims rebuild their lives, whether through temporary housing solutions or financial aid facilitated by JKM.
Jamri Masran, the Director of JBPM Sarawak, provided details on the firefighting operations. He reported that thirteen shop units were affected by the blaze.
Firefighters responded promptly after receiving an emergency call at 1:29 am. Thanks to the swift action of the rescue team, the fire was contained within two hours, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings. This rapid containment was critical in minimising damage to the surrounding commercial area.
Investigations into the cause of the fire revealed that the intensity of the blaze was fueled by flammable materials stored within the premises. Items such as oil, thinners, plastics, and rubber contributed to the rapid spread of flames and thick smoke.
The building, which was constructed in the 1960s, lacked modern fire-resistant partitions between units. Consequently, the fire and smoke easily permeated through the shared walls and ceilings, affecting multiple units despite the efforts to isolate the source.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in older commercial buildings in Sibu. Authorities are likely to review compliance with fire safety regulations, particularly regarding the storage of hazardous materials in residential or mixed-use properties.
The age of the structure also poses challenges, as older buildings may not meet current fire safety codes, making them more vulnerable to such incidents.
Local community leaders and business associations have expressed solidarity with the victims. The SCCCI has been active in mobilising resources and offering logistical support to help tenants navigate the aftermath.
This includes assisting with documentation for insurance claims and connecting displaced families with social services.
As the cleanup and assessment phase begins, the focus remains on the well-being of those impacted. JKM continues to monitor the situation, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, receive appropriate care.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety preparedness and the need for regular maintenance of aging infrastructure.
The government has pledged to continue its support until all affected parties are stabilised. This includes facilitating dialogue between landlords and tenants to resolve contractual issues arising from the forced closure of the premises.
By addressing both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term structural concerns, authorities aim to restore normalcy to the Jalan Khoo Peng Loong community as swiftly as possible.
