KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 – The Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association (FMSA) has launched a donation drive after Klinik Kesihatan Tangkarason in Beluran, Sabah, and its staff quarters burned down yesterday.
Sinar Harian reported Beluran Fire and Rescue station chief Edoen Macheal as saying that the fire outbreak, which occurred at around 1am yesterday, saw “100 per cent” destruction of both the public health clinic and staff quarters that were located a whopping 215 km from the Beluran fire and rescue station.
Edoen reportedly said the fire could only be controlled at 6.20am, after the Beluran fire and rescue station received an emergency call at 1.08am. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Timothy Cheng said FMSA has launched a donation drive among its members who “would like to donate to KK Tangkarason”.
“The donation can be made to Persatuan Pakar-Pakar Perubatan Keluarga Malaysia 1100482801 (Bank Kerjasama Rakyat) Ref.: kktangkarason,” Dr Cheng posted on X.
FMSA’s donation drive for Klinik Kesihatan Tangkarason will be closed on March 15.
A WhatsApp message on the FMSA donation drive said the family medicine specialists covering Klinik Kesihatan Tangkarason currently reside in Klinik Kesihatan Telupid, 180km away.
The message did not state what the funds raised will be used for, though it will likely go to staff and patient welfare.
Sabah state health director Dr Asits Sanna said in a statement yesterday that the entire clinic and quarters buildings, including all assets, medicines, and equipment, were completely destroyed in the fire.
“To fulfil the needs of the health service, all services will be temporarily transferred to Dewan Serba Guna Kampung Tangkarason,” he said.
Sabah State Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister James Ratib said the loss of Klinik Kesihatan Tangkarason affected around 2,738 residents in the vicinity.
“Building a new clinic will take about six months – just to construct the building alone. If the clinic’s staff quarters are taken into account, this may take nine months,” James said.
