Tawau fire: Imam collapses amid blaze, dies in hospital

New Straits Times

06-05-2025

TAWAU: A prominent Islamic preacher reportedly recited the azan (call to prayer) during a fire at his home early this morning, before collapsing due to breathing difficulties. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Ustaz Ahmad Abdul Malik, 60 — a respected religious teacher, imam, and chairman of Masjid Baiturrahman in Kampung Baru Batu 2 — was at home with his wife and daughter when the incident occurred at around 3am.
According to his close friend, Amran Lahamin, 50, he and several villagers rushed to assist in saving Ahmad's personal belongings, including his vehicle.
"At the time, the fire was engulfing three neighbouring houses. The ustaz managed to recite the azan before collapsing. He was then rushed to hospital," he said.
Amran added that only the kitchen area of Ahmad's home sustained minor heat damage, and remembered him as a devoted religious teacher and a highly respected figure in the local community for his spiritual guidance.
Ahmad's body will be at the Tawau Islamic Cemetery following Zohor prayers.
Meanwhile, Tawau Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Jemishin Ujin said the department received an emergency call at 3.17am and immediately deployed a team of 25 firefighters, who arrived at the scene within 10 minutes.
"The team successfully contained the fire from spreading further and managed to save 47 nearby houses. However, three houses were completely destroyed," he said.