KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian visited four families affected by a recent fire at the People’s Housing Project (RPR) Batu Kawa and handed over financial assistance to help ease their immediate burden.
The fire, which occurred on May 25 damaged four houses, leaving the affected families in need of support as they began recovery efforts.
Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawa assemblyman, was accompanied by personnel from the Batu Kawa Service Centre, local councillors and community representatives to inspect the damaged homes and met with residents impacted by the incident on Thursday (May 28).
“The relevant authorities would continue to follow up on the matter and assist affected homeowners, including facilitating applications for repair works where necessary,” he said.
Dr Sim also commended the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) for its swift response in bringing the blaze under control.
“Had the fire not been contained quickly, the damage could have been much more severe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Sim said that from 2018 until today, a total of 567 underprivileged families in the Batu Kawa constituency have benefited from the state government’s Housing Repair Assistance Scheme, involving an allocation of RM7.65 million.
He said the scheme covers repairs for homes belonging to eligible low-income families, including those damaged by incidents such as fires and storms.
“Under the scheme’s guidelines, applicants must be registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and fall within the underprivileged category requiring assistance.
“Each approved repair project is entitled to a maximum allocation of RM15,000,” he said.
Dr Sim said applications are evaluated through an open and transparent process, with documents first requiring endorsement from local community leaders before being assessed and approved by a committee comprising representatives from various agencies.
“This housing repair assistance scheme is available to all eligible Sarawakians regardless of race who require support,” he added.
