KUCHING – A residential fire in Taman Stutong Baru on Tuesday evening has resulted in the death of a 71-year-old man, despite swift intervention by emergency services.
The incident occurred at approximately 7.05pm on 16 June, when police received a call from the public reporting a blaze at a home in Lorong Stutong Baru.
Officers from the Sungai Maong Police Station, led by the station chief, were dispatched alongside personnel from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
Upon arrival, firefighters found the upper floor of the two-storey house engulfed in flames. The blaze damaged around 40 per cent of the property’s first floor.
During the operation, rescuers discovered an elderly man trapped inside. He was unconscious when pulled from the building.
Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) personnel immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before handing him over to paramedics for urgent transfer to Sarawak General Hospital.
Hospital authorities later confirmed that the victim was pronounced dead at 8.30pm. Police have since classified the case as a sudden death report.
Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu stated that preliminary investigations revealed no criminal elements in the incident. He emphasised that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by Bomba.
The Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that firefighters from Tabuan Jaya and Batu Lintang stations were involved in extinguishing the blaze and conducting overhaul work to ensure no hotspots remained. The operation was concluded after the fire was fully brought under control.
Authorities have urged members of the public with information about the incident to contact Inspector Awang Ramli Awang Junaidi at 019-8444123 or the Sungai Maong Police Station at 082-420469.
Police also advised against speculation, stressing the importance of respecting the sensitivity of the victim’s family and avoiding disruption to ongoing investigations.
This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and rapid emergency response in residential areas. Fires in Sarawak have been a recurring concern, with recent cases reported in Limbang, Sibu, and Bintulu.
The authorities continue to remind residents to prioritise fire safety measures, including regular electrical checks and ensuring clear escape routes in homes.
The tragedy at Taman Stutong Baru underscores the risks faced by elderly residents during emergencies and the critical role of coordinated action between police, firefighters, and medical teams in responding to such incidents.
