KAPIT: Barely two weeks after a fire destroyed Rumah Austin Ekau in Nanga Sipan, Song, another longhouse — Rumah Liun, Nanga Pangai, Sungai Ibau — was razed in a fire on Sunday morning (Oct 12).
The fire destroyed the semi-permanent structure, which had 29 doors.
Located deep in the upper reaches of Sungai Ibau, the longhouse can only be accessed using four-wheel drive vehicles and longboats, taking around three hours for a round trip.
Expressing his sympathy, Kapit MP and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he was shocked to receive news of the fire while preparing to return to Kuala Lumpur after visiting victims of the earlier Rumah Austin Ekau blaze.
“I truly sympathise with the residents who have lost their homes. I hope they will remain patient and resilient in facing this ordeal and make the best plans to rebuild a new home that is safer, stronger and more beautiful,” he said in a Facebook post.
Nanta, accompanied by Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, were on the ground to extend immediate aid to the victims.
Among the assistance provided was RM1,000 in cash for each door, while the government allocated RM70,000 per door to help the residents rebuild their homes.
Several government agencies, departments and nearby longhouse communities have also stepped in to provide support and contributions to ease the burden of the victims.
Nanta assured that the government and relevant parties would continue to extend assistance to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
