Sandakan Fire: JKM Provides Psychosocial Intervention Sessions To 262 Victims

SANDAKAN, April 28 (Bernama) -- A total of 262 fire victims from Kampung Bahagia here received psychosocial intervention through sessions conducted by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) at the involved temporary evacuation centres (PPS) from April 20 to 23.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Nancy Shukri said the approach is to help victims stabilise their emotions, reduce the impact of trauma and expedite the recovery process.

In addition to providing basic necessities, JKM also emphasises emotional recovery aspects through the implementation of crisis interventions and psychological support for the victims.

"Intervention was carried out by JKM psychology officers and support teams at the PPS including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Batu Sapi, Sekolah Kebangsaan Gas, Dewan Projek Perumahan Rakyat Taman Batu Sapi, Sekolah Kebangsaan Karamunting and Dewan Sibuga," she said to reporters after visiting the fire victims at the PPS Dewan Rumah Orang Tua Sri Harapan here today.

She said that JKM plays a role in coordinating and managing PPS operations, including registering victims through the JKM Disaster Info System, managing the distribution of essential goods, and providing meals to victims three times a day.

She said that 48 JKM officers and staff from Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Tongod, Telupid, Paitan, as well as institutions and 15 volunteers under JKM were mobilised to assist with operations at the P

Meanwhile, Nancy said the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), as an agency under her ministry, also plays a role in helping to alleviate the burden of disaster victims with the contribution of the Bantuan Kasih Prihatin in the form of a RM200,000 cheque to the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee Fund to be coordinated and distributed to the victims.

"In addition to cash assistance, YKN also distributed bags containing food for adults, bags containing writing and colouring materials for children, and bags of essential items including clothing, milk and baby diapers," she said.

Commenting on today's programme, Nancy said it received cooperation from the Sime Darby Foundation, which donated hygiene kits, mattresses, and pillows to the disaster victims in the village.

"This collaboration is a symbol of the corporate sector's ongoing commitment to helping those affected by disasters," she said, hoping that more corporate agencies would step forward to contribute in efforts to alleviate the burden of disaster victims.

On April 19, 1,000 stilt houses were destroyed in a fire in the village, affecting thousands of residents.

-- BERNAMA