PM Anwar visits Kampung Numbak fire victims, pledges aid

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited and offered support to victims of the Kampung Numbak fire at the temporary relief centre at the Damai Multipurpose Hall here today.

Anwar, accompanied by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, arrived at the relief centre at 1.30 pm and spent about 20 minutes meeting the victims.

The Prime Minister was then briefed on the fire by Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah before handing over aid to the victims.

A total of 111 heads of household received food baskets as well as RM1,500 in special financial assistance from the federal government.

Earlier, Anwar and Hajiji joined more than 100 residents for Friday prayers at the nearby Masjid Jamek Kampung Likas.

One of the victims, Ruhin Nya Amrani, 52, said the assistance is a great help, particularly in covering the expenses of her two children, who are in secondary school.

“I am touched that the Prime Minister himself came to visit us and provide assistance. This will certainly help ease our burden,” she said.

Mohd Jamri Jamjiru, 43, said the government’s assistance will be put to good use.

“We appreciate all the assistance given, but what matters now is for the government to speed up efforts to rebuild our settlement,” he said.

The Kampung Numbak fire on Aug 30 destroyed about 200 houses built over the water, killing three people. — Bernama