MUADZAM SHAH, Malaysia — Three members of a family died after their home in Desa Mawar, Muadzam Shah, Rompin, was engulfed in flames early Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as 42-year-old Mohd Kahurolaizam Mokhtar, his 31-year-old wife Siti Zaleha Aluha, and their four-year-old son, Muhamad Putra Rayqal.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department officials received an emergency call at 4:11 a.m. and promptly dispatched firefighters to the scene. Despite their efforts, the blaze destroyed the family’s residence. A neighboring house sustained approximately 70% damage, but all six occupants there escaped without injury.

Rompin Police Chief Supt Sharif Shai Sharif Mondoi reported that Mohd Kahurolaizam was found unconscious in a drain outside the home and later pronounced dead at Hospital Muadzam Shah. Firefighters discovered Siti Zaleha and their young son in a corner of a room. Two other children in the family, aged 16 and 10, managed to escape the fire unharmed.

The circumstances surrounding the fire’s cause and the extent of the total losses remain under investigation, according to the fire department.

Residents in the area were alerted by two loud explosions as the fire broke out. Acting community head of Desa Mawar 2, Khairizal Abdul Hamid, who lives less than 100 meters from the scene, said the flames were already intense upon his arrival. He noted that Mohd Kahurolaizam appeared to have attempted to rescue his wife and child.

The family had recently relocated to Desa Mawar, moving into the house approximately one week before the incident. Mohd Kahurolaizam worked as a grass cutter, while Siti Zaleha was employed at a local food outlet. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.