TAWAU: Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy has called for a comprehensive federal and state blueprint to end the recurring cycle of catastrophic fires in over-water stilt villages.
Citing the recent Kampung Bahagia fire in Sandakan, which displaced over 10,000 people, he emphasized that a proactive, written action plan is vital to prevent future loss of life and massive property damage.
The MP highlighted that frequent fires drain state budgets by diverting development funds toward disaster relief and emergency aid.
He urged the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to intensify community awareness programs and warned residents against obstructing critical safety infrastructure, such as burying fire hydrants during land reclamation.
Andi Suryady stressed that immediate transformation is necessary to address not only fire risks but also illegal utility tapping and social issues within high-risk coastal communities.
