Hajiji on the ground inspecting the fire site in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi, Sandakan today.
SANDAKAN: The State Government has channelled immediate assistance to victims of a devastating fire in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi, which destroyed nearly 1,000 houses in an incident that occurred yesterday morning.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government deeply sympathises with the plight of those affected, describing the blaze as one of the largest incidents ever recorded in the settlement.
“Today, I visited the site to assess the situation involving the fire victims of Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan. This was a major fire, involving nearly 1,000 houses that were destroyed,” he told reporters after inspecting the area and handing over aid to victims at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi today.
Hajiji comforting fire victims while personally inspecting the fire-ravaged area in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi, Sandakan today.
He said that, as initial assistance, each Head of Household (KIR) received RM2,000, comprising RM1,000 in special aid from the State Government and RM1,000 from Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.
“We hope this assistance will help ease their burden during this difficult time,” he said.
In addition, Pusat Zakat Sabah and Perbadanan Baitulmal Sabah have also extended assistance to those affected.
Hajiji said the scale of destruction was extensive, with almost the entire village razed.
Hajiji presenting Special Assistance from the State Government and Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah to fire victims of Kampung Bahagia at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi (Temporary Evacuation Centre) today.
Meanwhile, he said a full and detailed report on the actual number of victims is expected within one to two weeks.
Commenting on redevelopment plans, Hajiji said the State Government is currently studying several proposals, including land reclamation for future housing development, which would involve substantial costs.
“Proposals include land reclamation for future housing development, but this will entail significant expenditure,” he said.
In this regard, he said the State Government would await a comprehensive report from the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee, as well as recommendations from the Sandakan Municipal Council, before making any decisions.
“We will first receive the report from the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee on their alternative proposals. From there, we will take the necessary action,” he said.
Hajiji also informed that six temporary evacuation centres (PPS) have been opened to accommodate the victims for the time being.
Accompanying Hajiji were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; Health, Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki; Deputy Human Resources Minister and Batu Sapi MP Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan; State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong; Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap; Secretary of Internal Affairs and Research, Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Ag Shahminan Ag Sahari; and Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah Director Datuk Diyanah Abdullah.
