By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 30: Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, has announced that the State government will assist in finding suitable temporary housing for the victims of the recent fire in Kampung Tabuan Cemerlang, Jalan Setia Raja.
The fire, which occurred on Aug 27, affected eight families, including those living in one privately-owned house and six rental units within the same block.
The victims have been temporarily relocated to the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at the Dewan Dato Sri Dr Hj Wan Junaidi Kampung Tabuan Lot.
“My main concern is where will they stay? Some of these families are large, with three heads of households. It may be manageable for a short period, but if it takes longer, it will be uncomfortable for them.
“The Resident’s Office, along with local leaders, are coordinating to ensure that families, particularly those with school-going children, are placed in homes close to schools,” Fatimah told reporters during her visit to the victims at the Dewan Dato Sri Dr Hj Wan Junaidi here.
She also noted that the government has provisions to assist low-income families living in urban areas with their rental payments.
“We will discuss with the head of each household to find the most suitable location for them, especially to ensure that their children can continue attending school without disruption,” she added.
Fatimah explained that the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) has been actively involved since the day of the fire, offering immediate relief.
“Today, we are distributing further assistance to the affected families. The aid includes financial support, which will be credited directly to their bank accounts,” she noted.
The financial aid provided is tailored according to the number of family members, with the smallest amount given to a single individual being RM300.
Additional support in the form of essential household items such as mattresses, cooking equipment, and dry food supplies have also been delivered. Furthermore, special provisions have been made for school-going children, including uniforms, school supplies, and pocket money.
The minister also mentioned that follow-up actions are being taken for the victims of another fire in Bintawa, where four houses were destroyed.
“The affected families have agreed to rebuild their homes on the original plots of land,” she remarked.
The total aid distributed today amounts to RM12,000, which varies depending on the size and needs of each family.
Fatimah further commended the proactive efforts of the Resident’s Office, local leaders, and other agencies involved in the relief efforts.
“We are also ensuring that the necessary documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates, which were lost in the fire, are reissued.
“This is crucial for the victims to regain a sense of normalcy and access further assistance,” she said. — DayakDaily
