SANDAKAN: Fire victims in Kampung Bahagia have hailed with relief the Federal government’s RM1,500 compassionate aid announcement, calling it a tremendous comfort after losing everything in the blaze.
Isnirayah Abdulpasa, 43, said the aid announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is a huge help for those hit hardest, especially families who escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
“It’s warming our hearts that PMX is stepping up with aid. It’ll ease our burden since most of us escaped with just the clothes on our backs; we’re left with nothing.
“I’ll use the aid money for my children. We fled with just the clothes on our backs, grabbing only our documents,” she said, Friday
Besides financial aid, victims also expressed deep gratitude for the Prime Minister’s hands-on concern, visiting the fire scene himself and meeting them at the relief centre.
Isnirayah said his presence was unexpected and gave a morale boost to those affected.
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“We’re shocked the Prime Minister came to see us himself. It makes us feel valued and cared for,” she said, adding that the top national leader’s visit brought some relief amid their ordeal.
Another victim, Nasir Sandigo, 46, a labourer, said the aid will help lighten his family’s load amid their struggles, especially with basics and the children’s schooling.
“Yes, we’re truly grateful as it really lightens our burden. I’m relieved because right now, we have nothing left,” he said.
“We fled the burning house with just the clothes on our backs and a few extra outfits. Nothing else, just the clothes we managed to grab,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister announced that funding for the financial aid will be channelled through the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
Additionally, the Sabah state government is providing RM2,000 in initial aid to each affected household head.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the aid includes RM1,000 from the state government and RM1,000 from the Sabah Welfare Foundation.
