80-year-old man killed in Raub house fire

RAUB: An 80-year-old man was killed after his house in Kampung Kuala Dong here was destroyed by fire last night.

Retired soldier Abdul Hamid Jaafar was believed to have been trapped in the living room during the 9.55pm blaze, with his remains later recovered by firefighters. His 76-year-old wife escaped unhurt.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said firefighters from the Raub station arrived at the scene at 10.20pm.

"The fire was brought under control around 10.40pm. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters inspecting the premises found the victim's remains in the living room.

"Three rooms, the kitchen and roof were completely destroyed, while about 80 per cent of the house was damaged," he said in a statement today.

It is learnt that Abdul Hamid suffered severe burns due to the intense heat.

Razam said 20 firefighters from the Raub, Sungai Koyan and Lipis stations were deployed to put out the blaze, with the operation ending at 2.13am.

Meanwhile, Dong assemblyman Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said in a Facebook post that he went to the village after being informed about the fire last night.

"I was saddened to learn that Abdul Hamid was found dead inside the burnt house. My condolences to the family during this difficult time," he said.