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VICTIMS of a devastating fire in Kampung Kurnia Jaya in Tawau are still waiting for the RM10 million aid pledged by the Sabah state government to rebuild their homes nearly three years ago.
The fire, which occurred on March 17, 2022, destroyed over 700 houses in the water village settlement, leaving approximately 1,338 people homeless.
Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor announced an RM10 million allocation to assist the victims in reconstructing their homes in the aftermath.
Despite this pledge, many residents continue to face hardships like retiree Kenneth Tahir.
“We’ve been waiting for three years, renting a house for RM1,200 a month. In the end, I had to borrow RM5,000 to build a makeshift house.”
Housewife Dahlia Hamsail echoed similar sentiments, stating that assistance was only provided immediately after the fire.
“To this day, no rebuilding has taken place,” she said.
Tawau Umno Division Chief Ghazalie Ansing has urged the government to expedite the disbursement of the promised funds.
“RM10 million for 500 homes is just RM10,000 per house. I will bring this matter to the Deputy Prime Minister for immediate action,” he said.
In response to the delays, Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan suggested that fire victims apply for the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) housing programme, provided free by the state government.
“We prioritise fire victims, even if they are not listed in the e-Kasih database,” he explained.
He also advised victims to negotiate with family landowners to allow the government to build houses on plots sized 45x45 feet. - January 21, 2025
