TAWAU: The Kalabakan Parliamentary Public Service Centre allocated emergency funding of RM200,000 to replace three connecting bridges that were destroyed in a fire in Kg Tanjung Batu Laut Logpond, Wednesday.
Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy said the wooden bridges are a critical need for residents so that they could rebuild houses.
“We will promptly construct the connecting bridges because residents require a route to access to their homes.
“We will also make every effort to help fire victims, including in applying for SMJ’s Mesra Rakyat house,” he said after handing over donations to 264 fire victims at the Tawau Sports Complex Hall, which was converted into a temporary shelter.
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Regarding the status of the fire site, Andi, who is also the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Assistant Minister, said the residents would be able to rebuild their homes on the respective sites.
They must, however, follow local authority standards, including lot division.
He also sympathised with the victims, especially in view of the fasting month and school session just started.
“We hope the victims will persevere. We will do our best to alleviate their burden.
“We also hope that more parties will come forward to help,” he said.
He also cautioned people in densely populated areas to be extra careful during the current dry season, which is predicted to extend until the end of April.
“Please refrain from doing activities such as open burning,” he said.
The fire swept into Kg Tanjung Batu Laut Logpond at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, destroying 52 houses and affecting 264 people.
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