LIMBANG: Efforts are now focused on housing victims of the recent fire incident at Rumah Bujang, Rantau Kiran.
In a news report from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the temporary shelter will be equipped with facilities to provide comfort to the victims.
He said the reconstruction of the longhouse is expected to take around two to three years to complete.
“For electrical facilities, I have asked Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to ensure that the electrical wiring work is done by qualified individuals.
“This temporary shelter will be used for a long period of time, and we do not want another disaster caused by electricity issues. So, SEB has to make sure of this, as I do not want the people to be left in the dark,” he said during his recent visit to the longhouse site in Nanga Medamit.
Tengah added that the Limbang District Council will provide toilet and bathroom facilities for temporary use, while the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) will provide water tanks for residents’ usage.
He also called on JBALB and Laku Management Sdn Bhd (LAKU) to work together on water supplies and improve the gravity-feed water supply that is used in the area.
Tengah also announced an allocation of RM50,000, which will be channelled through the village development and security committee (JKKK) for the construction of a temporary shelter for the residence.
He added that the state Social Welfare Department will also distribute aid worth RM5,000 per door, while funds worth RM50,000 will also be contributed by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and the Sarawak Timber Association (STA).
He was saddened by the incident but expressed relief that it did not involve any casualties.
During the visit, federal Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah also presented financial assistance amounting to RM1,500, while Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail donated RM300 per door.
A total of 79 food baskets were also donated by Awang Tengah, Hasbi and Abdul Rahman.
Also present were Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang and Limbang Resident Unus Tambi.
