TAWAU: The Sabah Government will find the best mechanism in assisting fire victims more effectively, including providing new areas for them to build their homes.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic) said the matter would be discussed with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor towards giving the fire victims a new hope in rebuilding their lives.
“With the recent big fire outbreak (in Kampung Kurnia Jaya), I see that the time has come for the State Government to seek a new direction in ensuring that the victims of a fire get new homes.
“I will also bring up at the next Cabinet meeting the pressing issue of building homes under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR), including the need to rebuild homes at the fire outbreak site as the building of PPR homes would require a new piece of land,” he told reporters after visiting the fire victims and handing out aid to them, here, Tuesday.
Earlier, in his speech, Bung, who is also Sabah Umno Liaison Committee Chairman, expressed sadness and sympathy for the victims of the fire that occurred last Thursday in Kampung Kurnia Jaya, Batu 4, an above-water village.
Following the incident, Sabah Umno is channelling RM500 in aid for each of the 670 affected families to help lighten their burden and this will be managed by the Social Welfare Department and Tawau Municipal Council.
“I understand that the number of affected families will increase as the registration of the victims is still going on while Baitulmal will also be providing aid for them,” said Bung.
Meanwhile, one of the fire victims, Malina Abdul Hali, 37, said she was grateful for the aid given by Sabah Umno and hoped the Government would provide PPR units for them.
“My family and I are now staying at a relief centre nearby and after this, we will have to find a house to rent. I hope for housing aid as my husband who works at a glass factory s earning a monthly income of only RM1,000,” said Malina, who is eight months pregnant.
Another victim, Nasir Misil, 58, who is also the village mosque imam, hopes the Government will allow the rebuilding of houses at the fire outbreak site.
“I have been living in the village for 31 years and my house was totally destroyed in the fire. l don’t know where I will be staying after this,” said Nasir, who is now putting up in the relief centre at Dewan Sri Balung.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
