SUNGAI PETANI: The state government is taking steps to expedite the release of the remains of three family members who perished in a fire that engulfed eight shoplots in Kota Kuala Muda early yesterday.
This effort aims to ensure that the deceased can receive a proper funeral in a timely manner.
State Women, Family and Community Development and Welfare Committee chairman Datuk Halimaton Shaadiah Saad expressed her commitment to reaching out to the state health department for cooperation in expediting the forensic identification of the victims.
"We hope everything proceeds smoothly and quickly so that the victims can be buried soon, Insyaallah," she told reporters today.
The Bukit Kayu Hitam assemblyman added that welfare assistance for the victims would also be discussed in tomorrow's state executive council meeting.
"In addition to that, together with the state Welfare Department, we have distributed early assistance funds of RM300 to eight recipients today," she added.
In the 1.10am blaze yesterday, eight semi-wooden double-storey shoplots were gutted, killing the three victims trapped in the fire.
The victims, Lim Yang Kooi, 66, and his wife, Lee Chew Fong, 61, perished alongside Lee's mother, Yong Swee Lan, 93.
Lim and Lee, who were selling sewing equipment at the shop, are survived by four children.
All remains have been sent to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for a post-mortem.
Halimaton also said the state government would organise fire safety awareness programs following the incident to prevent similar tragedies.
"The local community needs to be more aware of fire safety measures to protect themselves in the event of a fire.
"Information from the Fire and Rescue Department suggests that a victim was close to exit doors but may have been trapped and succumbed to smoke inhalation," she added.
Yesterday, it was reported that Kedah Fire and Rescue Department director Awang Hidzel Awang did not rule out the possibility that the victims had tried to escape from the fire but were overwhelmed by the thick smoke.