A SENIOR citizen was killed in an early morning fire, which destroyed a house in Kampung Halud, Matu, 115km from Sibu today.

Four other occupants managed to escape unhurt.

Fire and Rescue Department Sibu Zone chief Andy Allie identified the deceased as Merais Aris, 68. The four who escaped from the blaze were Merais’ children and grandchildren.

“Merais, a labourer, is believed to have failed to leave the burning house on time. Firefighters found his body at a door at 5.05am. It was handed over to the police for further action,” he said.

Andy said the department was alerted to the fire at 2.51am and a team from the Daro fire and rescue station was dispatched to the scene.

“The operation to extinguish the fire was completed at 4.45am,” he said. – Bernama, October 27, 2023.