BETONG, Nov 15 2026: Upon learning that Matop longhouse in Paku, Spaoh, which was almost completely destroyed in a fire, Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah, who was en route to Kuching from Betong, turned back from Lachau to meet with the 28 families.
Upon receiving news of the fire, which occurred around 5pm yesterday, he rushed to the location to reach out to the victims and ensure that their immediate needs for assistance were addressed.
During his visit, Uggah received an update on the firefighting operations and assessed the extent of the damage to the 28-unit longhouse.
He also took the time to meet with the victims to offer moral support and express his concern for the families who have been left homeless.
Furthermore, he examined the coordination of immediate relief efforts through the Betong Division Social Welfare Department and the Betong Divisional Resident’s Office.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Gerald Rentap Jabu and Member of Parliament for Betong Dr Richard Rapu.
Meanwhile, Betong District Officer Laga Kueh, who also serves as Betong District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) chairman, there were no casualties reported in the incident.
According to him, a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) has not been activated at this time, as all 28 affected families will be staying temporarily with family members and relatives in nearby longhouses.
Coordination was also established with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, specifically the Betong and Saratok Fire and Rescue Stations, Betong Town Volunteer Fire Brigade (PBS), and the police to ensure the smooth execution of firefighting operations and maintain safety at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Betong Division Social Welfare Department will manage the registration of heads of households to facilitate the distribution of emergency aid, including food, beverages, and basic necessities, to the victims.
Further assessment and the coordination of assistance for the reconstruction of the longhouse will be considered once a comprehensive report from the Fire and Rescue Department and a census of the affected individuals are obtained.
Also present were Betong Division Resident Richard Michael Abunawas; Administrative Officer in charge of Spaoh Sub-district, Denny Lim; Betong Division Social Welfare Officer, Abang Ahmad Ibrahim; and Political Secretary to the Premier Roseline Mapong.
