KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has concluded its preliminary investigation into the recent fire at SMK Sungai Tapang and an official report will be issued in due course, said Member of Parliament for Stampin, Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong, together with his assistants Michael Kong and Sim Kiat Leng, visited the site earlier today alongside Bomba’s forensic investigation officer, Tuan Ninggang Blanda. With the investigation now completed, the affected site has been formally handed back to the school, allowing upgrading works to resume.
“Thanks to the swift response by Bomba, the fire was quickly contained. Only one section of the school hall was damaged, while the rest of the Dewan remains largely intact,” said Chong.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been caused by sparks generated during the grinding and cutting of zinc plates on an existing wall—part of the school’s upgrading works.
Chong also said the school has liaised with the contractor, who has agreed to bear the full cost of repairs resulting from the incident.
“With the site now returned to the school, we hope the upgrading work can proceed smoothly and be completed as scheduled by the end of June,” he added.
Chong further expressed hope that the Public Works Department (JKR) engineer would inspect the hall’s timber roof trusses to ensure any fire-damaged sections are properly replaced to maintain the structural integrity of the building.
By Connie Chieng