The Housing Ministry is prepared to work with the Sabah government to coordinate aid for the Kampung Bahagia fire victims, pending the state’s direction.
SANDAKAN: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) stands ready to cooperate with the Sabah state government on follow-up measures for the Kampung Bahagia water village fire.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stated that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor could arrange a joint meeting with the Federal Government to coordinate aid. She explained this step is necessary as accommodation matters fall under state jurisdiction.
“The Federal government remains open to working together, but would wait for direction from the state government first,” she told reporters after an event in Banting. She added that they are very open to assistance if needed.
The fire in the early morning of April 19 reportedly destroyed 1,000 houses and left 9,007 residents homeless. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said federal and state authorities are coordinating basic aid and temporary accommodation.
Aiman Athirah also detailed the challenging firefighting response. More than 30 personnel from Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations were deployed at midnight to tackle the blaze.
Rescue operations faced difficulties due to the densely packed settlement, narrow paths and low-tide conditions hindering water supply. She urged residents’ associations in such areas to work with the fire department to form community brigades.
