TAWAU: A preacher died hours after being warded at Tawau Hospital. He was brought in unconscious following a suspected heart attack while reciting the azan (Islamic call to prayer) as fire engulfed his village at Kg Baru Batu 2, Jalan Apas, around 3am, Tuesday.
The late Ustaz Ahmad Malik, 60, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while standing behind his home and calling the azan as flames approached his house. Residents rushed him to hospital.
Ustaz Ahmad’s house sustained minor damage, but three of his neighbours’ homes were destroyed.
One of the victims, widow Kamisah Larimba, 32, said she heard Ustaz Ahmad reciting the azan. I quickly gathered my children and escaped because the fire had already reached our house.
“After that, I wasn’t sure what happened to the Ustaz, but neighbours later told me he collapsed due to a sudden heart attack,” she said.
Kamisah was with her two children, aged four and six, along with her 65-year-old mother and 66-year-old father.
She said her family had to flee quickly, only managing to save important documents before getting into a vehicle and heading to safety.
“I accept what happened as God’s plan and believe there is wisdom behind it,” said Kamisah, who has lived in the village for over 30 years.
She hoped authorities or community leaders would step in to assist the affected families according to their needs.
A witness, Edwin @ Santo, 44, hopes the relevant authorities would consider installing fire hydrants in their neighbourhood.
“During the fire, villagers had to use water from backyard wells while waiting for the firemen to arrive.
“We saw firefighters having to draw water from sources outside the village, which caused some difficulties, but thankfully the situation was brought under control,” he said.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said 25 personnel, two fire engines, a water tanker, a 4WD vehicle, and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team were dispatched to the scene.
Despite challenges in accessing a water supply, the fire was contained by 4am, and the operation ended at 7.11am.
In total, 47 homes located near the three were destroyed and saved from the blaze.
“The victim was taken to the hospital by his family after he was found unconscious at home and was pronounced dead while at the hospital,” he said.
