Fire and Rescue Department Denies Involvement in Alleged Squatter Settlement Demolition
KOTA KINABALU (June 10): Following a devastating fire that consumed 15 houses at a water village in Inanam on Monday, the Fire and Rescue Department has refuted claims of involvement in any alleged squatter settlement demolition.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, the department clarified that it did not partake in any demolition activities during the incident.
According to the spokesperson, the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call regarding the fire at 12:53 pm. A swift response ensued, with a 26-man team from the Kota Kinabalu and Lintas fire and rescue stations rushing to the scene near Kampung Kalansanan.
The team, along with personnel from the police, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), and Rela, worked diligently to bring the fire under control. Despite the challenging circumstances, they managed to contain the blaze by 2:00 pm, with no reported casualties.
During the operation, SESB advised caution due to the presence of numerous illegal wire connections in the area. This prompted the team to exercise added vigilance while combating the fire.
While the fire has been successfully extinguished, investigations into its cause are ongoing. The Fire and Rescue Department assured the public that they are actively working to determine the origin of the fire.
The spokesperson emphasized that firefighters were solely focused on responding to the distress call and were not involved in any demolition operations conducted by other authorities.
“Claims of illegal settlements being destroyed by authorities are to be referred to the police for clarification,” the spokesperson stated, addressing allegations made by squatters at the water village.
The allegations of deliberate fire-starting by authorities conducting a squatter-demolition operation have stirred controversy and prompted calls for transparency and accountability.
As investigations continue, authorities are urged to provide clarity and address concerns raised by affected communities.
