BINTANGOR: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol has proposed that assistance such as temporary housing be provided for fire victims, especially for those who lost their homes due to tragedies.
He said such 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.
“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.
“Thus, a 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 during a visit where he handed over donations to fire victims at Rumah Julia, Muara Bunut Bintangor recently.
He also suggested that the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) raise awareness of the RM70,000 aid provided for the reconstruction of houses destroyed by fire.
Abdullah, who is also the Semop assemblyman emphasised the importance of this initiative considering that many residents still do not know about it.
As part of efforts to increase awareness, he also hoped that the relevant agencies could hold roadshows or engagement sessions for the community, especially in villages, longhouses, and rural areas that are far from fire and rescue 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’ (door) of the longhouse to facilitate early action in the event of a fire incident.
On a related note, he expressed his support for the proposal of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) which wanted to establish a Bomba Volunteer Club as an additional step in improving the safety of residents.
During the ceremony, Abdullah and Tanjung Manis MP Yusuf Abdul Wahab presented donations to ease the burden of fire victims.
Initial contributions had been also channelled by JKM and the Petronas Foundation in the form of food aid and basic daily necessities.
