TAWAU: The number of victims in the Kg Tanjung Batu Laut (Logpond) fire grew to 354 people, Thursday, with 52 houses affected.
The victims include 77 family heads, seven of whom are non-citizens. They are currently housed at the Tawau Sports Complex, which has been converted into a temporary shelter since Wednesday night.
The registration of victims continued until 5pm on Thursday, allowing those affected to receive appropriate help.
Village Chief Abdul Rahman Burhan, 67, urged those who had not registered to do so at the temporary shelter so that they would not be excluded from getting assistance.
He said any aid, whether from the Government or non-governmental organisations, would be directed through the temporary shelter.
“We are made to understand that the temporary shelter will only operate for three days.
“However, we hope the period can be extended according to the needs of the victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sukawati Subair, 40, said she is relieved that everyone in her family escaped the fire despite being unable to salvage anything.
“I was at home with my two children and elderly mother when the fire broke out about 2.30pm,” she said, adding her husband was at work.
“When I saw the flames, I immediately told my elder son to flee the house, while I cradled my 12-month-old son as I helped my elderly mother who was struggling to move to safety,” she said.
“I could not salvage anything. My children’s school documents and preparations, as well as my mother’s identification card and welfare care were destroyed.
“Everything was destroyed in the fire which spread quickly,” she said.
Sukawati, who shared her house with 10 family members, hopes their well-being will be ensured, especially with the upcoming fasting month.
