SIBU: A total of 65 victims from seven households who were displaced by a fire in Kampung Hilir on Friday morning were placed at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at LAKIS School, An-Nur Mosque, here.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the selection of the PPS location was made after taking into account factors of comfort and distance from the incident area.
“Three locations were suggested, namely Rumah Sri Rajang, Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Teku and LAKIS School. In the end, we chose LAKIS School because it is closer and more comfortable for all parties,” he said when visiting the victims at Surau Darul Saadah on Friday evening.
The Nangka Assemblyman added that an initial assistance of RM200 per victim would be distributed immediately to ease their burden during this emergency period.
He also announced that each affected family would receive a house rental assistance of RM1,800 to cover the rental costs for six months, while they look for a new home.
“We hope this will ease their burden a little bit and, at the same time, we will allow them to stay at the PPS until all the placement matters are completed,” he said.
Dr Annuar also expressed his appreciation to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and all parties involved for providing basic necessities such as food, drinks and shelter to the victims while they were at the PPS.
He also stated that the Welfare Department will coordinate and record all forms of donations from the public so that assistance can be distributed transparently and fairly.
“We will announce from time to time the locations where the victims are being placed to make it easier for those who want to channel assistance,” he explained.
The fire, which occurred at around 8 am, destroyed five houses and affected two others, involving seven families with an estimated 65 victims who are now homeless.
