Massive Likas Fire: Victims Resigned To Test Of Faith Ahead Of Ramadan

KOTA KINABALU, March 1 (Bernama) -- The residents of Kampung Cempaka in Likas here, who lost their homes in a dawn fire that destroyed 80 houses today, have accepted the calamity as a test of faith before Ramadan starts tomorrow (March 2).

Mohd Sabri Talib, 50, a truck driver, said his family had prepared ahead to observe fasting during Ramadan, but now they must start from scratch.

He stocked up on daily foods such as rice, eggs, oil and canned food for sahur and breaking fast but everything has now gone up in flames.

“But I am resigned (to the fact) this is Allah's test in this blessed month because Ramadan teaches us to be patient and calm. I believe Allah wants to give something better during Ramadan and Syawal later,” he told Bernama here today.

The huge blaze, which broke out around 5 am, razed a squatter settlement spanning 250 square metres, resulting in 669 people from 139 families losing their homes.

Many of the hapless victims have accepted the trial by fire as does Hamzani Jair, 44, a shop assistant, could not hold back tears as he recounted how his seven family members are left homeless just on the eve of Ramadan and as head of the family, he is worried about preparations for fasting later.

“My heart is heavy but I am resigned (to God’s will) when I saw our house burn down; this is our Ramadan test. So much weighs on my mind, especially since tomorrow morning we start fasting and soon we will prepare for Eid al-Fitr (Aidilfitri),” he said.

Hamzani, who only managed to save clothes, vital documents and some household items, will seek shelter at his relative’s house for the time being and hopes that some authority will help the residents find new homes.

A labourer, Alfadra Ahmad Madja, 37, said although he lost his home, he was still grateful that there were no injuries or fatalities in the incident.

“I heard people yelling outside the house and when I looked out the window, I saw several nearby houses with flames licking the sky. I quickly woke up my wife, children and in-laws to flee and save ourselves," he said.

He said although he was grateful to have saved documents, his family is now at a loss because Ramadan and Syawal are approaching with no place for them to stay.

Nurmina Abdul Rahim, 36, said she was jolted awake up when her 15-year-old daughter alerted her and immediately acted to save neighbours who were still asleep.

“I knocked on the doors as hard as I could to wake them up. My neighbour has a baby. Thank God they were also able to save themselves,” said the housewife.

Rasnah Osman, 38, a vegetable seller at Kota Kinabalu Market, said she was very grateful that neighbours helped each other in that critical situation.

“Alhamdulillah, although we lost everything, the community spirit in this village is very high. We helped each other to save ourselves, especially the elderly and children,” she said.

-- BERNAMA