30 Orang Asli Houses In Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa Razed, 117 Left Homeless

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- A fire, believed to have been sparked by an electrical short circuit, razed about 30 houses at the Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa water settlement here today.

The 6.50 am incident left 117 residents from 30 families with only the clothes on their backs, as most victims were unable to save any valuables or important documents as the flames spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds and the proximity of the wooden stilt houses.

A representative for the Tok Batin (community leader), Awie Mee, 43, said the fire also destroyed several fishing boats and equipment, which are their primary source of income.

"Dozens of fishing boat engines were burnt, and several motorcycles were also destroyed," he told Bernama at the scene, adding that most of the men were out at sea when the fire broke out.

Awie added that the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) has visited the site to coordinate assistance for the affected residents.

Meanwhile, one of the victims, 45-year-old Yati Mee, said her savings of RM10,000 from the sale of mussels and crabs, as well as two boats worth approximately RM30,000, were lost in the blaze.

"I had just returned after sending my children to school. When I arrived, the fire was already raging. I did not have time to save anything," said the mother of three, who is also a fisherwoman.

Another victim, Murai Toh, 52, lost her fishing boat engine, valued at about RM6,000.

"The strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly. Since the houses are built close together, everyone just ran to save themselves," she said.

Pasir Gudang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief, Deputy Fire Superintendent II Firdaus Ahmad, said they received an emergency call at 7.04 am and dispatched 28 personnel, along with three Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) engines and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) unit, to the scene.

The fire involved temporary structures with wooden walls and zinc roofs, and about 30 houses were 90 per cent destroyed.

No casualties were reported, as all residents managed to escape before the firefighters arrived.

In the aftermath, a temporary relief centre was opened at 1 pm to house the victims.

Johor Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, in a statement, said the 117 victims are sheltering at the Dewan Muafakat Taman Megah Ria relief centre in Permas.

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the fire and losses.

-- BERNAMA