SANDAKAN: The Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee is exploring the best approach to resettle victims of the Kg Bahagia fire to secure more suitable housing, said its chairman Datuk Walter Kenson.
He said the committee is studying the best approach to help fire victims secure more suitable housing.
“The committee is also currently assessing several factors, including land availability, distance and access to basic amenities, as part of efforts to identify appropriate locations for the victims’ resettlement.
“We are taking into consideration the availability of land, distance and access to basic facilities for the purpose of resettling the fire victims,” he said.
Walter said this to reporters after the Madani Contribution Presentation Ceremony for Kg Bahagia fire victims at the Sandakan Community Hall on Thursday.
He said Kg Bahagia is a long-established traditional settlement and efforts would be made to ensure residents are relocated in a more organised manner.
“This village is a long-established traditional settlement and such resettlement move is vital for them.
“Hence, we will assist in reorganising their housing arrangements and provide proper planning at a more suitable location that also ensures the victims’ wellbeing,” he said.
The move comes following the devastating fire that struck Kg Bahagia on April 19, leaving hundreds of residents displaced.
A total of 280 heads of households (KIR) affected by the Kg Bahagia fire received financial aid and daily necessities from the Sabah government, government-linked companies (GLCs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Walter said all recipients are Malaysian citizens and heads of households impacted by the fire in April.
“Thank you to all contributors, including the Sabah government, Sabah Welfare Foundation, Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC), Yayasan Nur Jauhar (YNJ), Asian Supply Base (ASB) and the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia).
“We also record our appreciation to corporate bodies, NGOs and individuals who contributed food supplies and daily necessities to the affected victims.
“Not forgetting, congratulations and well done to all security personnel and workers involved for ensuring the aid distribution process proceeded smoothly without any critical issues,” he said.
Walter also expressed appreciation to the community, media practitioners and government agencies, including those involved in healthcare, enforcement, security control and the provision of basic necessities, for their close cooperation throughout the disaster management process.
“We have demonstrated a highly encouraging spirit of cooperation and I hope this can continue in the future.
“Thank you also to our media colleagues who played an important role in delivering information quickly and accurately, helping to maintain a stable and calm situation while preventing speculation that could cause public concern,” he said.
The aid presentation ceremony was officiated by YNJ adviser Toh Puan Dr Norlidah RM Jasni.
Also present were Usia Deputy President Datuk Alipudin Puyon; Batu Sapi Parliamentary Liaison Officer Ajak Sadikal; MPS Municipal Secretary Irman Tajuddin Edy; Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Sekong Division Chief Saparudin Abu; and Assistant Administrative Officer of the Disaster and Security Division, Irwan @ Yus Dualin.
