Single mum, son, and grandma brave blaze to escape burning home

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

KOTA TINGGI: A single mother and her family were forced to flee through flames to escape a fire that destroyed their rented home in Taman Desaru Utama, Bandar Penawar, early yesterday morning.
Faridah Mohamed, 51, said she was awoken by the smell of smoke at 5.30am and discovered her Perodua Kancil ablaze outside their home.
"I tried turning off the fan and unplugging appliances, but the burning smell only worsened. I woke my mother and son. When I opened the front door, thick smoke was pouring from the car," she said.
She initially attempted to release the smoke by opening the car's rear door, but flames erupted suddenly.
"I grabbed a wet cloth and tried to put out the fire, but failed. I considered using the garden hose but feared it would only make things worse."
With flames quickly spreading into the house, Faridah made the split-second decision to escape through the fire with her son and elderly mother.
"If we hadn't, we would have been trapped inside," she said.
Faridah, who has lived in the rented home since her divorce, said that her car was her only means of earning a living by selling satay.
The fire caused an estimated RM150,000 in losses, but she is thankful that no lives were lost.
Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Senior Fire Officer Mohd Hazmi Zulkafli said they received an emergency call at at 6.17am, and 13 personnel from the Bandar Penawar and Punggai stations were deployed to the scene.
"Two terraced houses were partially destroyed, while three cars and a motorcycle were almost completely destroyed, with damage ranging between 50 and 90 per cent," he said.
Meanwhile, Penawar assemblywoman Fauziah Misri visited the victims alongside representatives from the Pengerang member of parliament's office. Officers from the Pengerang Municipal Council were also present.
Initial aid, including food boxes and cash, was provided.
"The Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) has agreed to cover temporary rental costs for the victims. The Welfare Department will also offer further assistance," she added.