Fire razes 29-door longhouse in Kapit; report delayed due to lack of mobile coverage

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 12: A 29-door longhouse at Rh Liun, Sungai Pangai, Ulu Ibau in Kapit district, was completely destroyed in a predawn fire today after the incident went unreported for several hours due to the absence of mobile network coverage in the remote area.

The fire, believed to have started around 2.30am, was only reported later in the morning when the Tuai Rumah (longhouse chief) personally travelled to the Kapit Fire and Rescue Station to lodge a report.

Rh Liun is located deep in the Ulu Ibau area, about a 4-hour boat ride from Kapit Waterfront under normal water conditions. The longhouse is typically accessed by river, as road connectivity to the area is unclear.

The distance, coupled with the lack of mobile coverage, highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in alerting authorities during emergencies.

According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the double-storey semi-permanent longhouse had already been destroyed by the time the report reached them. All 29 doors were lost to the flames.

A team of three firefighters from the Kapit Fire Station, led by station chief PPgB Timoty Barat, was immediately deployed to the scene using a Hilux vehicle to conduct investigations and ensure safety at the site.

Fortunately, no injuries or loss of life were reported.

Personnel from the Kapit District Office and police (PDRM) were also on site to assist affected residents and coordinate follow-up aid.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. — DayakDaily

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