Kuala lumpur: Several residents of stilt houses in Kampung Sri Aman were compelled to jump into the sea to save themselves as their homes and connecting bridges succumbed to a fire last night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, one of the victims, Liny Daurong, 58, recounted the harrowing experience. She and her ailing husband were asleep when the incident occurred, only to be awakened by their son's urgent shouts about the fire. Her son promptly carried his father to safety due to his inability to walk or speak. Liny managed to grab some critical documents before following her son, who had returned to the house in an attempt to salvage more belongings.

Liny described the rapid spread of the fire, which engulfed many homes and swiftly destroyed the bridge connecting their house. This prompted her to leap into the sea for safety, where she instructed her son to throw their possessions into the chest-level water while she prayed for their safety. She expressed a desire for the government to permit the reconstruction of their homes on the original site and to provide financial aid.

Another resident, Janing Jamalang, 57, was also caught off guard by the fire. Her husband awakened her, urging them to flee. In the ensuing chaos, Janing was unable to save any belongings, including vital documents. Her family, including a one-month-old grandchild, sought safety, with the infant being carried within her daughter's clothing.

Janing shared her gratitude for her family's safety amidst the chaos, despite losing all their possessions. She has lodged a police report regarding the incident and stressed the need for government support to alleviate the victims' hardships, including the possibility of rebuilding their homes on the same site.

In response to the disaster, Tawau Social Welfare Department officer Nurul Fadhilah Abdul Hamid announced the activation of a temporary evacuation center at the Tawau Sports Complex multipurpose hall. This facility will accommodate over 200 fire victims.

The fire, which broke out around 11.30 pm, resulted in the destruction of 30 semi-permanent stilt houses at Lorong Jade 4, Kampung Sri Aman, Jalan Apas.