Kota Kinabalu: The hardship faced by 511 residents who lost their homes due to a recent fire in Kampung Cempaka, Likas, has caught the attention of government agencies and political parties, which have contributed RM127,400 to assist them.
A total of 91 heads of households (KIRs) received RM1,400 each, handed over by State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif at the Likas Multipurpose Hall, which serves as a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) for the victims.
Ariffin, who is also Islamic Religious Affairs Exco, said RM91,000 was donated by the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis), while RM18,200 came from contributions by Baitulmal Corporation and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Darau Division.
“This contribution is to help ease the burden of the families affected by the fire, especially during the month of Ramadan and the coming Aidilfitri celebrations,” he said.
Ariffin, who also serves as Sabah’s Education Exco, said assistance for school supplies would be provided to the children of the victims, most of whom lost everything in the fire.
He said the assistance would be channelled through the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), which he chairs, to support the children’s learning process.
“I will ask grassroots leaders to identify children who need this assistance, and we will help them through TPNS,” he said.
Ariffin also expressed concern for the fire victims who will have to vacate the multipurpose hall after the PPS period ends on Friday.
He said he would discuss with local leaders the possibility of extending the PPS period until after Ramadan, as many victims have lost everything.
More than 80 houses were destroyed in the fire last Saturday, leaving 511 people homeless and forcing them to seek refuge at the PPS Likas Multipurpose Hall and PPS Dewan Damai.
