A row of shops at Tamparuli town which was build during the colonial-era was burned down early yesterday, 9 December 2008. It was in the newspaper today and also in some blogs. The fire started from a jewelry shop around 5.30am.

Mrs. Lee, the third generation and who has a 20-year old son (forth generation) operator of the Lok Hing Coffeshop, said they lost everything in the blaze. Reading through other’s blog about their memories with the shops before it gone makes it more touching…

Officer-in-charge of the Tuaran Fire & Rescue Department, Mazlan Sarman, praised the six local volunteers who were part of the volunteer fire brigade who did whatever they could to control and put down the fire.

Police do not suspect any foul play but are investigating. The cause of the fire is not know yet but suspected by a bad electrical wiring or equipment.

Why electrical equipment? According to a report, most of the recent fires are caused by electrical equipment. And these cheap and low quality electrical equipments are believed imported from China.

Public are advised to use only certified (by SIRIM) electrical equipments although they are more expensive. If you notice lately, we are flooded with all kind of cheap stuffs from China. These cheap stuffs include electrical equipments, eyeglasses, toys, cloths and many more…

The economy is not good right now… cheap stuffs are the choice. But we have to be selective when we want to get something cheaper or at low quality…

The simplest rule is: if it using electric and/or generating heat, try not to buy and use the low quality although it is cheaper… do value your life.