KOTA KINABALU: Two women, in their 40s and 70s, perished in a blaze which razed five houses in Tawau early yesterday.

       The charred remains of Kamisah Mapiasah and Sadiah Jabar were found on the ground level of their double-storey home.

       The fire, which started from the kitchen of one of the houses, was believed to be from a gas stove.

       The Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call in Kampung Titingan, Jalan Tawau Lama, at 12.53am and the team arrived at 1am.

       “Three of the houses were fully gutted while the other two suffered 40% and 60% damage.

       “The bodies of the two victims, believed to be family members, were handed to the police for the next course of action.

       “The fire was under control by 1.32am and the operation ended at 3.08am,” said a spokesperson.

       The Tawau Fire and Rescue team was assisted by community firemen, police personnel, Civil Defence Force and Rela members.