KUCHING, Jan 6: Each household affected by the fire in Kampung Bintawa Hilir will receive RM5,000 in aid from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) to purchase building materials for the reconstruction of their completely burnt-down houses.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said immediate assistance would also be channelled to alleviate the victims’ burden following the tragedy on Friday.
“In addition to the RM5,000 aid, each household will receive RM700 to assist with the purchase of kitchen appliances.
“Furthermore, the fire victims will receive immediate cash assistance for daily clothing, food, beverages, sleeping equipment, school supplies, and pocket money,” she told TVS at the Sarawak P. Ramlee Fan Club (KPPRS) dinner last night (Jan 5).
Fatimah expressed gratitude to various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals who generously donated food and clothing to support the fire victims.
“Sarawak is blessed because it has a community that cares and has compassion for the people who are affected by calamities,” she added.
Acknowledging the collective effort, Fatimah mentioned government agencies such as JKM, Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak, elected representatives, and Yayasan Kebajikan Negara, along with NGOs like the Kuching Love Book Association and the Red Crescent Society, which extended assistance irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity.
As of 8pm on Friday, 38 victims from 12 families have been relocated to a Temporary Relief Centre (PPS) at Kampung Bintawa Hilir Bimajaya Recreational Hall, while one family of five victims chose not to relocate to the PPS.
The fire, which occurred on Jan 5, left 44 individuals homeless, destroying seven houses and damaging two others in Kampung Bintawa Hilir.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. The cause of the fire and the extent of the loss are currently under investigation. — DayakDaily
