SEMPORNA, May 3 — The victims of a fire in Kampung Panji here got a surprise visit from Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib at the temporary relief centre set up in a hall near the incident.

The wife of Parti Warisan Sabah president, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, told the more than 100 residents of the 30 houses involved in the fire to be patient as assistance is being sent as soon as possible to help them cope with their loss.

According to a statement by Parti Warisan Sabah today, Shuryani sympathised with the residents and told them to stay strong.

Shuryani is from Kedah and is seldom seen at political events unless it is to support her husband.

Her visit to the centre coincides with the general election, where Shafie is contesting for his sixth term as Semporna MP as well as the Senallang state seat for the first time. This is his first election since leaving Umno and forming his own party in 2016.

The fire in the Kampung Panji water village last night was reported at about 10.50pm and razed over 30 wooden houses before it was put out at 12.38am.

No deaths or injuries were reported, but residents have been left homeless with no belongings.