BINTANGOR: Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol has proposed that temporary housing aid be provided for fire victims, especially for those who lost their homes due to the tragedy.

According to Datuk Abdullah, this aid can be channelled by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) or related agencies in the form of temporary housing rentals while waiting for the rebuilding process of the victims’ houses to be fully completed.

"Such a fire incident is an unwanted tragedy. Unfortunately for victims who have large families, they must face a big challenge, especially the children who are still in school.

"This temporary housing aid needs to be given serious attention by the authorities so that it can be included in various forms of government assistance for the people affected by disasters,” he said.

He said this in a visit where he handed over donations to victims of the fire disaster at Rumah Julia, Muara Bunut Bintangor on Sunday.

He also suggested that the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) raise awareness on the RM70,000 aid provided for the reconstruction of houses destroyed by fire.

Datuk Abdullah emphasised the importance of this initiative considering that many residents still do not know about it.

As part of efforts to increase awareness, the Semop Assemblyman hoped that the relevant agencies can hold roadshows or engagement sessions for the community especially in villages, longhouses, and rural areas that are far from fire and rescue (Bomba) services.

He also urged for wiring monitoring to be carried out at old longhouses, in addition to suggesting the provision of portable fire extinguishers in each ‘pintu’ of the longhouse to facilitate early action in the event of a fire incident.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah expressed his support for the proposal of the longhouse development and security committe (JKKK) that wanted to establish a Bomba Volunteer Club as an additional step in improving the safety of residents.

During the ceremony, the Semop Assemblyman together with Member of Parliament for Tanjung Manis, Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab presented donations to ease the burden of fire victims.

Initial contributions had also been also channeled by JKM and the Petronas Foundation in the form of food aid and basic daily necessities.

Also present were Acting Meradong District Officer, Thomas Geoffrey Kendawang, Sarikei Division Assistant Welfare Officer, Angela Tiong, PBB Meradong Branch Deputy Chief, Councillor Samsawi Mohamad, and other guests. -UKASnews