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KOTA BELUD: A 32-year-old father was injured while rescuing his wife and four children from a fire that destroyed nearly an entire block of nine shoplots near SMK Narinang early this morning.

The man suffered burns to his face and body while carrying his family to safety. His wife, their three children aged 11, 8, 5, and a one-month-old baby all escaped unharmed.

Kota Belud Fire and Rescue chief Elge Bakuk said 12 firefighters responded to the 5.32 a.m. emergency, battling flames across 557 square meters. Limited water pressure forced the team to source water from a location three kilometers away.

The burned father received treatment from emergency services and was sent to Hospital Kota Belud for further care. The fire was contained by 7.13 a.m. and fully extinguished by 10.55 a.m., with assistance from police, Sabah Electricity, the Health Ministry, and volunteer firefighters. Cause and losses are under investigation.