Rumours over fire unfounded
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Mohd Shafie bin Hj Apdal urges the public to keep calm amidst rumours as to the cause of the fire in Semporna on Tuesday evening.
He calls on everyone to show compassion and kindness to the victims and welcomes any assistance to be given to those who have lost their homes and all their worldly possessions.
“Our most immediate concern is for the well-being of the victims. Let us show compassion and kindness towards them instead of being caught up with rumours that are unfounded,” the Chief Minister said in a statement issued here yesterday.
No casualties were reported in the fire but more than 1,000 people in the floating villages of Kampung Air Hujung and Kampung Air Tengah have since been left homeless.
Swift measures are being made by the Semporna District Council and other authorities to ensure they receive adequate shelter and relief.
Meanhwile, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din confirmed that no criminal elements were involved in the fire that destroyed more than 300 houses at Kampung Air in Semporna on Tuesday.
Ramli said police investigation revealed that burning of rubbish in the area was the cause of the 5.50pm incident on July 31.
He, therefore, dismissed any foul play was involved as claimed by netizens that criminal element was involved in the fire at Kampung Air in Semporna.
After a distress call at 6pm on Tuesday, a team of 48 firefighters finally managed to put out the fire by 12.41am on Wednesday.
One of the destroyed houses belonged to Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mantek's parents.