GERIK police chief Zulkifli Mahmood said no criminal elements were found in the death of a senior citizen and her disabled daughter who were burnt to death in a fire at Kampung Air Tarung, Jalan Air Ganda, Gerik, early this morning.

According to the husband and father of the victims, Mohamad Abdul Latif, the fire had started in the kitchen of the hut situated in the orchard at about 4am, he said.

“He also tried to rescue the victims but failed before seeking help from residents. Investigations at the scene also revealed that the cottage was far away from the main road and a red dirt track leads to the orchard,” he said in a statement.

Zulkifli said the autopsy was conducted at Gerik Hospital and confirmed that the cause of death of the two victims was due to burn injuries. The case has been classified as sudden death.

“Examination carried out on the bodies did not reveal any further injuries. The bodies of the victims were handed over to the family for burial,” he said.

In the early morning incident, two victims – 76-year-old Rahmah Zainon and her 43-year-old visually impaired daughter, Razilawati Mohamad – were found burnt to death in the hut in an orchard.

Mohamad Abdul was also in the hut during the fire.

Rahmah’s son, 37-year-old Saudin Mohamad, revealed that the family had a long-standing tradition of commuting between their village in Kuala Ketil, Kedah, and a cottage located in their orchard, cultivated with durian and various other fruits for over three decades.

Last week, the entire family congregated at the hut, but subsequently, the siblings returned to Kuala Ketil. However, his father, mother, and sister opted to extend their stay. – Bernama, January 1, 2024.