Priceless memories up in smoke, laments deputy minister
MIRI: Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala is deeply saddened over the incident where his family’s house in Kampung Pa Umur, Bario was destroyed in a fire last Sunday.
The Mulu assemblyman said the flames did not only raze the property, but also the many memories that his family members had created together.
“It was difficult to estimate the total losses.
“The value of the property, along with the antiques and old items, could amount up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
“The memories, though, that were created with my parents and the generations before me, went up in smoke. To me, they’re the most precious things that really mattered to me, and I’m heartbroken,” he told reporters here.
Gerawat was in Kuching when his ancestral house caught fire at 1.10am on Sunday (April 14), and he only managed to hitch a ride on a Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) helicopter back to the village on Monday (April 15), as there were no seats available on MASwings flight to Bario.
His family home was a wooden house built 32 years ago, and had hosted some of the most important people including local and foreign leaders.
“Our Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had also visited my ancestral house,” said Gerawat.
When asked about the cause of the fire, he said early investigation indicated that it could be caused by electrical short circuit.
Nonetheless, Gerawat took the opportunity to thank those involved, including Bario Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), the firefighters, police and the General Operations Force (PGA), the Malaysian Armed Forces, as well as the villagers of Kampung Pa Umur, for their help in the firefighting efforts.
He also thanked the Marudi Bomba team, led by its chief Maureen Sim, for taking immediate action of going to the location despite many challenges, and also for allowing him to hitch a ride on the Bomba helicopter to the village.