Kuala Baram house collapses due to structural rot; RM30,000 in damages, no injuries

MIRI, July 24: A house in Kampung Masjid Kuala Baram, Miri, collapsed 23 July night, causing an estimated RM30,000 in damages, after its wooden foundation gave way due to rot and unstable ground conditions in a flood-prone area.

Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, in a statement yesterday, confirmed that the incident was reported at approximately 9.22pm on July 23, 2025, by the homeowner, 69-year-old Rohani Hasim.
“Balai Polis Lutong received a report from a woman named Rohani Hasim who stated that her residential house at Lot 8, Kampung Masjid Kuala Baram, had collapsed,” he said.
The collapse was attributed to the house’s aged and decaying wooden pillars, which had become brittle over time. The home was situated in a low-lying saltwater swamp area that is frequently inundated by high tides.

ACP Farhan said that during the incident, the victim and her daughter-in-law, who is in her 30s, were inside the house but fortunately escaped unharmed, with no casualties reported.

“Police observation found that various government agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), Welfare Department (JKM), Ministry of Health (MOH), Baitulmal Miri, and other relevant agencies, have come forward to assist the victim’s family,” he added.

The total loss suffered by the family is estimated at around RM30,000.

ACP Farhan also advised the public not to speculate or spread unverified information about the incident.