BEKENU – A fire broke out at the BEM Bakas Sibuti Church located along the Pan Borneo Highway (Bintulu-Miri Road) late yesterday, destroying almost 80 percent of the church building.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire Operations Centre, the department received an emergency call at 11.52 pm. Firefighters from the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) were immediately dispatched to the location.
A total of six personnel, led by PBK II Awang Azdwan Awang Sahari, arrived at the scene with a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) vehicle. Upon arrival, the fire had already engulfed much of the two-storey semi-permanent building, which measured approximately 40 by 20 square feet.
“The fire destroyed about 80 percent of the structure. Firefighters carried out extinguishing work using one stream with two nozzles, relying on an open water source,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The church is understood to have been occupied by a single pastor, identified as Pastor Ibrahim Anyik, 63, of Kayan ethnicity. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed during the incident.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, and the operation was declared fully completed at 2.33 am. No injuries were reported.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, as well as the estimated losses suffered. The church community and nearby villagers are awaiting further updates.
The fire at the BEM Bakas Sibuti Church has raised concerns among the local Christian community, with many expressing sadness over the loss of a place of worship that has served the faithful for many years.
Officials from the Fire and Rescue Department urged the public to stay cautious and ensure proper fire safety measures are practiced, especially in buildings located far from main towns and water supplies.