SANDAKAN: The victims of the Kampung Cenderamata settlement fire who were temporarily housed at the Taman Batu Sapi PPR Hall and nearby areas since March, hoped to be given permanent settlements.
Currently, some 200 victims from 63 families are living in the temporary settlement and facing various challenges and problems.
One of the victims, Syed Jaafar Habib Yahya, said that there was lack of piped water for cooking.
They also do not have a suitable place to do their cooking room.
“I had to rent outside because I have a daughter due to the crowded environment,” he added, adding that rental is expensive to the victims who are mostly fishermen or manual workers.
“People say the victims are lucky because they live for free in the hall, but they don’t understand the difficulties experienced by victims of various ages including babies and the elderly.
Meanwhile Armada cum Perikatan Nasional Youth Chief, Muhammad Affan Jumahat, urged the government to provide permanent settlements for them.
“The victims are also our citizens who are entitled to proper assistance. Sandakan is big and there is definitely a suitable location to house them,” he added.
He was met by the media immediately after visiting the victim in the hall and saw for himself the situation surrounding the settlement of the victim.
He delivered bottled drinking water for the victims.
