Three Homes Gutted by Fierce Fire on First Day of Aidilfitri

KUALA LUMPUR – The joyous atmosphere of the first day of Aidilfitri turned into a scene of devastation for several families in Kampung Bunut Payong today, as a massive fire razed three double-story terrace houses, leaving residents with little more than the clothes on their backs.

The incident, which occurred at Lorong Rela, has cast a somber shadow over the Syawal celebrations, usually a time of togetherness and feasting for the local community. Instead of hosting open houses, the affected victims are now left assessing the ruins of their properties.

For 42-year-old housewife Rozmawani Abdullah, the morning began like any other festive day. Her husband, Mohd Fadzli Ab Rashid, 45, and their eldest son, Muhammad Zafran Zarif, 14, had left early for the Masjid Bunut Payong to perform the Aidilfitri sunat prayers.

While she remained at home with her two younger children—11-year-old Muhammad Ammar Darwisy, who is physically disabled (OKU), and eight-year-old Afiyah Hanan—she was suddenly alerted to the smell of smoke and the sound of crackling flames.

“I didn’t have time to think about documents or valuables. My only priority was getting my children out,” Rozmawani said, still shaken by the ordeal. She managed to grab a bag containing their new festive clothes from the living room before fleeing to a neighbor’s house.

She expressed her deep sorrow over the timing of the tragedy. “It is incredibly heartbreaking. While other families are rejoicing and celebrating 1 Syawal, we are standing here watching our home burn. We’ve lost nearly 80 percent of everything we own.”

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency distress call at 8:27 AM. A total of 22 personnel from the Kota Darulnaim Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) were immediately dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the terrace block engulfed in flames. Operations Commander PBK II Mohd Amin Mohd Kari reported that the team worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading further into the densely populated neighborhood.

“Our team managed to bring the blaze under control by 9:44 AM,” Mohd Amin stated. Providing a breakdown of the damage, he confirmed:

• Two terrace units: Completely destroyed (100% burnt).
• One terrace unit: Severely damaged (80% burnt).

Despite the scale of the destruction, the fire department confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported among the residents or the firefighting personnel.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated from a neighboring unit belonging to a retiree who was also away at the mosque during the incident. A neighbor’s son, 28-year-old Muhammad Fitri Mat Nawi, was credited with spotting the initial flames and alerting Rozmawani, allowing her time to evacuate her children safely.

The exact cause of the fire and the total financial loss incurred by the three families are still under investigation by the fire forensics team.

As the news of the fire spreads, local community members have begun offering support to the displaced families, who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives during what was supposed to be the happiest time of the year. For now, the spirit of Aidilfitri in Lorong Rela remains subdued as the community rallies behind those who have lost their homes.