32 made homeless in Mersing fire

JOHOR BARU: A total of 32 people from two families in Mersing were forced to take shelter at a temporary relief centre (PPS) after their homes were engulfed by fire on Wednesday (May 4) night.

Mersing Fire and Rescue Department chief Mohd Azhari Awi said they received a call about the incident at Jalan Gading 12, Kampung Gajah Mati, Gersik at 4.53pm.

“A total of 13 firemen with five fire engines were deployed to the scene.

“Upon arriving, we saw that two houses were on fire with one about 95% destroyed and another 60% destroyed,” he said, adding that the fire was completely put out by 7.39pm.

Meanwhile, according to the state disaster management committee, four temporary relief centres (PPS) have been opened in Pontian and Mersing to house flood and fire victims.

“The number of flood victims in Pontian has gone up to 168 from 31 families as of 8am on Thursday (May 5).

“Three PPS have been opened in Pontian and they are the SK Melayu Raya, SK Sri Bunian and SK Seri Bukit Panjang.

“Meanwhile, one PPS has also been opened at Kompleks Penghulu Mukim Jemaluang in Mersing for the fire victims,” it said in a statement here on Thursday (May 5).