Four killed in Subang house fire

PETALING JAYA: A couple and their two sons were killed after a fire broke out at their double storey terrace house in USJ 2, Subang Jaya early today.
Real estate agent Lim Ah Kok, 58, his wife Goh Bee Khim, a housewife aged 52 and their sons – Lim Yong Liang, 20, a college student and Lim Yong Wei, 17, a Form Five student were found dead in the house after firemen put out the blaze at about 6.30am.
Neighbours who heard their cries for help at about 5.40am were unable to go to their aid as the fiery blaze kept them at bay.
They called the fire and rescue department following which a team arrived within 10 minutes with sixteen firemen from the Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya stations.
The victims are believed to have been overcome by smoke inhalation as their cries were no longer heard.
The firemen managed to put out the blaze within 30 minutes after arriving.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Mohd Sani Harul said firemen found the victims in two bedrooms and a bathroom during a post-fire inspection at the house on Jalan USJ 2/5a.
He said the fire is believed to have started in the living room and damaged 80% of the house.
He said the cause of the fire is being investigated.
It is learnt that the couple's eldest child, a daughter in her 20's was not at home at the time as she stayed in a hostel at her college campus in Kuala Lumpur.
The remains of the victims were sent to the Serdang Hospital for a post-mortem.
The funeral of the victims is expected to be held in Lim's hometown in Butterworth.
USJ 2 Rukun Tetangga and Voluntary Patrol Unit member Katherina Wong said the incident was a blow to residents in the area.
"Lim whom we called by his nickname Rican, was an active member of the RT and VPU and often helped in patrol duties. He was the member-in-charge of his street under the USJ Residents Association.
"He was jovial and witty and will be missed by all of us. We lost a good friend. His wife Goh was also very supportive of his voluntary work and always showed up for meetings." she said.