KOTA KINABALU, SABAH – An attempt by villagers to overcome a power outage in Kampung Lok Urai might have been the cause of 200 people losing their 73 homes on Thursday.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) director Kamarulzaman Malik Abdullah said a small candle flame might have burnt down the whole village.
“Preliminary investigations revealed a few villagers had attempted to get a generator set running…
“They decided to light some candles so they could see the while refueling.
He said some of the oil is believed to have spilled which soon became catalyst for catastrophe.
“However, this is only based on early investigations. Our forensics crew are still working on the island…
“Following standard procedures, it will take up to 21 days before more accurate results can be announced,” he said.
No one was harmed in the 8pm incident while Sabah firemen averted the potential destruction of 753 other adjacent stilted houses.
Twenty-six families are staying at the emergency shelters setup in Sembulan and Likas here by the Sabah Disaster Management Committee Secretariat.
