ALOR STAR, MALAYSIA: A fisherman who was out at sea since Saturday received a call on Sunday that his house was on fire. But there was nothing he could do to stop his house in Kampung Madrasah in Kuala Kedah from being razed.

Zakaria Jalaluddin, 34, was fishing in the coastal waters when his relative called him to inform about the fire at about 9.15pm on Sunday. He managed to reach home about two hours later but by then it was too late.

"StiIl, I'm thankful that my wife Rashidah Abdul Latiff and two children aged four and 10 managed to dash out of the house in time," he said.

Zakaria estimated his losses at RM20,000(S$8332) including the food items sold by Rashidah, who operated a sundry business in front of the house.

Four houses were destroyed in the blaze. Two other houses were partially gutted. No one was injured in the incident.