Villagers now sheltering in hotels at Batu Ferringhi
GEORGE TOWN: A festive week in Kampung Din Manbo turned into a nightmare within minutes as flames tore through 11 closely packed together wooden homes in Batu Ferringhi.
Located just off the main tourist belt, the fire had nearby hotel staff trained in fire safety rushing to the scene alongside firefighters on Friday.
The hotels also stepped in to provide temporary shelter and meals for displaced residents.
Hawker Mazaki Abdul Rahim, 53, said the three-bedroom house he inherited from his late father was reduced to ashes in the blaze.
He said the fire spread so quickly there was barely time to react.
“I was asleep when I suddenly heard a loud explosion. When I went to the back to check, the flames were already raging.
“We tried to douse the flames with water from the tap, but the pressure was too low. Neighbours tried to help, but the fire was too strong. Within moments, the whole house was gone,” he said.
Now homeless, Mazaki said his family may have to rent temporary lodgings while saving up to rebuild.
For retired fisherman Che Lat Baharoom, 80, the ordeal was harrowing as he fled with only the sarong he was wearing.
Having lived in the village since 1969, he said the fire wiped out decades of memories.
“I have lived here for over 50 years and watched this village grow. When the fire broke out, I was alone in my house.
“In just a short time, everything, including our Hari Raya preparations, was gone,” he said.
Despite the devastation, villagers praised the Fire and Rescue Department and volunteer firefighters for finding an alternative route through the hills to battle the blaze from the rear of the village.
Meanwhile, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands general manager Jegan Selvarajan said they were deeply saddened by the incident.
“We have provided immediate support, including temporary accommodation, to ensure affected families, especially children and the elderly, have a safe and comfortable place to stay as they begin the recovery process,” he said.
“Our team is working closely with the village committee to assist with their needs.”
Kampung Din Manbo, a long-established settlement, is made up largely of wooden homes built close to each other.
