Kampung paloh hilir: A family in Kampung Paloh Hilir, near Tendong, suffered a tragic loss after a fire engulfed their home last night, claiming the lives of 30 of their beloved pet cats. The incident, which occurred around 9.30 pm following Tarawih prayers, not only destroyed the home but also two cars, three motorcycles, and numerous valuables, resulting in estimated losses exceeding RM100,000.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, homeowner Nurul Rizan Bujang, 48, shared that most of their pet cats were inside the residence at the time of the blaze and could not be saved due to the rapid spread of the fire. 'My children really love cats, and these pets would gather inside the house at night. Last night, we did not have time to save them,' she expressed when interviewed in the village.
During the fire, Nurul Rizan and her husband, Zafri Abdullah, 47, were in Pasir Pekan, Tumpat. They learned of the calamity through a call from their second child, Mohd Aizat Azmi, 27. Mohd Aizat, who was at home with two younger siblings, including 13-year-old sister Nur Alisa who suffers from Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, injured his right foot on burning embers while escaping the inferno with his siblings.
The fire also obliterated various possessions, including jewelry sets and engagement trays prepared for Mohd Aizat's upcoming engagement ceremony, which was set to take place after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. 'After receiving the call from my son, we rushed home and found that the house had already been razed, together with five vehicles,' Nurul Rizan recounted.
Meanwhile, Wakaf Bharu Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Nasrin Ismail reported that the department received an emergency call at 9.56 pm. Sixteen firefighters from the Wakaf Bharu BBP, with assistance from the Tunjong BBP, were dispatched to the scene. 'Upon arrival, we found that the fire had destroyed the house. The blaze was fully extinguished at 12.10 am. The fire spread quickly because the house was made of wood. The cause of the incident is still under investigation,' he stated.