Sandakan Fire: PM Anwar Announces Immediate Aid For Victims

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a range of immediate assistance to ease the burden of victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire in Sandakan, Sabah.

The measures include compassionate aid of RM1,500 for each affected family, involving about 300 families, with an estimated total of RM450,000, to be channelled through the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

The announcement was made during his visit to victims at the temporary relief centre at the Taman Batu Sapi People’s Housing Project (PPR) Hall in Sandakan, with support from the Federal government, the Sabah state government and relevant ministries.

Earlier, the Sabah state government announced RM1,000 in aid for each affected family, while the Sabah Welfare Foundation provided an additional RM1,000.

Anwar said the Ministry of Education will provide RM300 for each Malaysian school-going child, involving 454 pupils from 12 schools.

The Home Ministry, through the National Registration Department, will provide free replacement of identification documents via its  Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) mobile service, covering birth certificates, MyKid, MyKad, death certificates and non-Muslim marriage certificates.

The Immigration Department of Malaysia will also facilitate passport replacements for affected victims.

In a Facebook post, Anwar said the assistance reflects the government’s compassion and responsibility in ensuring no one is left behind during this difficult time.

“Cash assistance, support for children to return to school and replacement of essential documents are being carried out without delay so they can rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity,” he said.

In another post, he stressed that the Federal government would not leave the victims to face the ordeal alone.

“I must admit, my heart is deeply moved seeing little children who do not yet understand what has happened, parents holding back their tears, and families relying on what little strength remains. This is not just a test, but a deeply painful hardship.

“Yet amid the sorrow, I witnessed something greater - resilience. They have not fallen, but continue to persevere,” he said.

Last Sunday, a major fire in the water village destroyed about 1,000 houses and affected an area of over four hectares.

-- BERNAMA