Fire destroys clinic at Long Seridan
MIRI: The fire that destroyed a government clinic at Long Seridan has brought sadness and anguish to the Penan and Kelabit communities living in the area.
This is because they have been depending on it for their medical needs.
The clinic is about 10 hours’ drive from Miri over a network of logging roads.
No injuries were reported and all members of the clinic staff were reported to be safe during the afternoon fire.
The fire broke out at about 12.45pm, totally destroying the wooden structure within minutes as it tore through the clinic.
Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong confirmed being notified of the incident and said no officers and men were deployed to the scene as reported by a national daily.
The Fire Station in Marudi was alerted of the fire at about 2.18pm.
A team will fly to Long Seridan today to assess the damage and investigate the cause of fire.
The clinic served the Penans from Ba Ubung, Long Meraan, Long Balau, Long Menging, Long Seliang and Long Ludin settlements in Ulu Seridan apart from the Kelabit community at Long Seridan.
The Penans would trek for hours to reach this remote clinic bordering Limbang division.
Long Seridan is accessible from Miri by biweekly MASwings Twin Otter flights every Thursday and Saturday.
The land route is treacherous and certain sections are impassable due to collapsed bridges caused by erosion or swept away by swift river currents.
Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is deputy speaker of State Legislative Assembly, and Baram MP Anyi Ngau could not be contacted for comments as at press time.