KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated RM70,000 through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) for the construction of four new homes to aid families affected by the fire in Kampung Haji Baki on March 22.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the assistance is meant for individuals whose homes were completely destroyed in the incident.
She said this is also a long-term solution undertaken by the government in the interest of the victims who require more comfortable living spaces.
As such, Fatimah assured that all related processes would be handled by the resident’s office.
“I am grateful that this matter has been handled well, and the victims have visited the Land and Survey Department to obtain land ownership information.
“Therefore, we hope the victims can understand that the process of building these houses will take some time,” she said.
She told reporters this after handing over a disaster relief cheque to the fire victims at the Kampung Haji Baki Community Hall today.
On the same note, Fatimah assured that proactive measures have been taken to address immediate housing needs, with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) stepping in to provide subsidised rental units at the Landeh People’s Housing Project (PPR).
She added that Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has communicated with the HDC and that five units are available for rental purposes for fire victims who are staying with family members or close relatives.
“I have also explained to the fire victims that the construction period for new homes will take quite a long time.
“So, there are five units available for rent. Four have been arranged for victims who lost their homes completely.
“However, one more victim whose house was not completely destroyed will have to apply for a rental. I suggest this family also rents for their overall comfort,” she said.
Towards this end, Fatimah said they (fire victims) are assisted by the government in terms of rent, where they only pay RM50 while the government subsidies RM200.
She added that this support will allow them to transition to rented accommodation post-Eid celebrations, where they can reside and pay rent subsidised by the government until their new homes are completed.
In addition, she said, other assistance totalling RM34,100 has also been distributed under the state JKM disaster relief programme, including food, daily clothing, school uniforms, school supplies, bedding, kitchen equipment, as well as construction material aid.
