KUCHING – The Governor of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, paid a visit to Sarawak General Hospital on 4 July following a tragic fire in Serian earlier that morning. He was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, as well as close family members.
The visit was made to see his cousin, Puan Sharifah Sabakton Auladah binti Tuanku Sen @ Hashim, who was admitted to hospital after being rescued from her family home in Kampung Tubih Batu Raung, Serian. The property was destroyed in the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the day.
Hospital officials, including Public Relations Officer Encik Sariddin bin Kederi and Information Officer Puan Normala binti Juatan, welcomed the Governor and his entourage upon arrival. His daughter, Puan Hajah Sharifah Fariah, her husband Encik Muhammad Syukri Mohamad Draim, and granddaughter Puteri Athena Maimunah also joined the visit.
At the medical ward, the Governor and Toh Puan were received by Puan Sharifah Sabakton’s husband, Tuan Haji Amiruddin bin Rejab, Imam of Masjid Darul Makmur in Serian, together with other family members. The fire claimed the lives of the couple’s child, who has since been laid to rest at Kemayor Islamic Cemetery.
The Governor expressed his sorrow over the incident, offering prayers and words of encouragement to the family. He conveyed his hope that his cousin would recover and that the family would remain resilient in facing the tragedy. “We pray that all family members will continue to be strong and steadfast in the divine will, and that her affairs will be made easier,” he said.
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of community vigilance and fire safety, particularly in rural areas where emergency response can be challenging. Local authorities are expected to continue investigations into the cause of the fire, while support has been extended to the affected family.
This visit underscores the Governor’s commitment to standing with Sarawak’s communities during times of hardship, reflecting the state’s emphasis on compassion and solidarity.
