Ex-Mr Asia, Bujang Taha loses house in fire

The government of Malaysia and Sarawak and various bodies should lend a helping hand to ease the burden faced by former 2 time Mr Asia, and now 74-year-old Sarawakian ex-bodybuilder, Bujang Taha.


The fire spread so fast, Bujang could only manage to save these prized momentos of his glittering career.



Bujang Taha and his family lost their home in Kampung Tanjung in Petra Jaya near Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia to a fire.

Bujang and family has been living in the house in Kampung Tanjung for the past 46 years.

Bujang Taha, the Mr Asia 1981-1982, and his 86-year-old wife together with the rest of his family members, who were living together in the house, were having lunch during the 2pm incident on Tuesday 8 February 2011.

After lunch, Bujang went upstairs and noticed sparks coming out of the electrical cables which caused the ceiling to catch fire.



Bujang told reporters that the fire spread so fast that he and his family members were only able to escape with their clothes on their backs.

The fire department received a distress call at 2.45pm and by the time two fire engines and 15 firemen from the Petra Jaya and Padungan fire stations arrived at the scene at 2.53pm, the house was destroyed.

Petra Jaya station head Madu Anggut said the fire spread so fast due to the hot weather and the fact that the house was wooden.

He said it was fortunate that nobody was injured.

Bujang put his losses at RM300,000, saying he also lost RM35,000 in cash and jewellery, including his prized trophies.

A nearby house belonging to a neighbour, was also razed.

Bujang Taha represented Sarawak in 1975 in the Mr Malaysia and won the Master category.

In 1980, he was Mr Asean.

Being twice crowned as Mr Asia in 1980 and 1981, was the highlight of his successful career.

All these titles earned him the state award Ahli Bintang Sarawak in 1982.

Bujang was also a gold medallist at the 1975 SEA Games and silver medallist at the 1983 Asian Games.

He won the Sarawak Sportsman Award in 1981 and 1989.

Bujang Taha is the proud father of 10 children, 47 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.