KUCHING, Jan 10: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak is currently assessing the damage and the immediate disaster relief that needed to be channelled to the victims of Kota Sentosa shophouse fire.
The fire incident, which occurred late yesterday afternoon (Jan 9), resulted in the tragic loss of a 12-year-old boy with special needs, who was trapped in the upper-level living room of one of the six affected shoplots.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that the JKM Kuching Divisional Office will be going down to conduct investigation and assessment soon.
“More importantly, JKM is committed to extending not only immediate relief but also psychological support to help the affected families go through this very difficult time.
“Our counsellors will provide crisis intervention and psychological support. We hope that this comprehensive assistance will help affected families in coping with the sorrow resulting from the tragic fire incident,” she said in a statement today.
Fatimah also conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
According to the disaster assistance guidelines, each household affected by a fire disaster would receive RM5,000 for building materials for reconstruction and RM700 for kitchen appliances and a hygiene pack.
Additionally, individual fire victims will receive immediate assistance, including a mattress and pillows (RM100), daily clothing (RM200), pocket money (RM100), dry food (RM50), school uniform (RM200), and school supplies (RM100).
In response to yesterday’s fire, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawal mobilised teams from the Batu Lintang, Tabuan Jaya, and Kota Samarahan stations, involving over 40 firefighters. — DayakDaily
