KUCHING, Apr 3: The Sarawak government, through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), has allocated RM70,000 in aid to victims of a fire incident in Kampung Haji Baki that occurred on March 22.
Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said that the aid is provided for the construction of new homes according to the quantum determined by JKM, adding that the blueprints have been approved by the Public Works Department (JKR).
She also said a total of RM34,100 was also distributed under the JKMS disaster aid, which includes food, daily clothing, uniforms and school supplies, bedding, kitchen utensils, and building materials assistance.
“The assistance given is based on the number of family members and the age of the victims, especially families with school-going children.
“For homes that are 100 percent destroyed, a total of RM70,000 is allocated, and this aid will be administered by the district office.
“I am grateful that the matter has been well managed, and they have visited the Land and Survey Department to obtain information from landowners,” she told reporters after handing over aid at the Kampung Haji Baki Community Hall here today.
Also present was Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Dato Lo Khere Chiang.
In addition to the home construction aid, Fatimah revealed that the state government has also provided assistance in terms of approval applications for the rent-to-own housing scheme under the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
“For the time being, I have also explained to the fire victims that the construction period for new homes will take quite some time.
“Therefore, Batu Kitang Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang made a deal with the HDC in Landeh for five units to be provided for rental by fire victims living with family members or close relatives,” she added.
Fatimah clarified that the rent money will be subsidised by the government by RM200, with the tenants paying RM50.
On March 22, the fire resulted in four houses in Kampung Haji Baki being completely burnt, while four others were partially destroyed.
No injures or fatalities were reported in the incident.
The 30 victims from five families affected were temporarily relocated to evacuation centers, which ceased operations on April 3. – TVS
