KOTA KINABALU: Students affected by the Kampung Numbak fire received RM300 each, along with school uniforms, textbooks, school packs and scientific calculators to help them continue their education.
Education Minister Datuk Fadhlina Sidek said the assistance was handed over during a programme at Dewan Sri Semerbak, SMK Bandaraya, following the Aug 30 fire in Kampung Numbak, which left families without homes and belongings.
She said RM121,200 had been disbursed through an emergency fund for the affected children, while the Education Ministry and Sabah Education Department had also provided textbooks and other educational assistance.
Fadhlina said the Government had remained concerned about the children’s welfare since being informed of the incident.
She said the Prime Minister had continued to enquire about their situation, including whether they had returned to school and whether assistance had reached them.
“This shows the concern of the Prime Minister for these children. He not only thinks about matters concerning the country, but the children of Kampung Numbak are also a concern,” she said.
She also thanked members of the public, companies and organisations for contributing books, stationery, school clothing and other school necessities.
Fadhlina said the contributions would help the affected children continue their education despite losing their homes and belongings in the fire.
She urged the students to make full use of the assistance and study harder.
“After receiving this assistance, you must study even harder,” she told the students, who responded positively.
Also present were Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud and Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
Fadhlina also thanked Mustapha, James and other parties for their continued support for education, saying such efforts would help strengthen education in Sabah.
She expressed hope that the assistance would give the affected children and their parents strength and help the children continue their education despite the impact of the fire.
