TAWAU, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Victims of the fire at Batu 2, Jalan Apas here have expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the special contribution provided to help ease the burden on the affected families.
Mohd Azmi Mohd Asri, 24, said the contribution from the nation’s top leader is deeply appreciated, reflecting the Prime Minister’s concern for the tragedy that befell the village residents.
He recounted that at the time of the incident, he was out delivering food when a friend informed him that a fire had broken out near his home.
“I rushed home and saw a large fire coming from a neighbour’s house behind mine. I managed to salvage some items from the refrigerator, a few pieces of clothing, and personal documents. My parents had already gotten out of the house by then.
“I am grateful that everyone is safe. I hope for assistance from the government to repair this fire-damaged home,” he said when met at a special contribution presentation event initiated by the Prime Minister and delivered by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud held today at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at the Multipurpose Hall of the Tawau Sports Complex.
Villager Abdul Japar Judin, 56, also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the aid provided to ease the burden on the affected victims, and acknowledged the non-governmental organizations that offered assistance during the incident.
Abdul Japar, who is also a teacher at St. Patrick’s Primary School, said he never expected his own home to be consumed by the fire which occurred at 9.31 pm but he is thankful that he was able to ensure his family members reached safety.
He suggested that, in light of this incident, villagers should be more frequently exposed to awareness programmes regarding initial fire-fighting efforts. Such knowledge could help mitigate the risk of large-scale fires, especially given that the houses are situated very close together estimated to be only one meter apart.
Earlier, Mustapha presented contributions to 69 heads of households affected by the fire. He extended his condolences to the victims and expressed hope that the aid would help alleviate their burden.
He noted that further assistance is expected from other sources, including the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the state government.
He also reminded the public to be more vigilant in managing their homes particularly regarding the kitchen and electrical appliances to reduce fire risks, especially during hot weather.
“Thank you to the Prime Minister; he is a truly caring person.”
"...for instance, in the 2027 Budget, the allocation for NADMA has increased to RM260 million which includes raising the home repair assistance for disaster victims, such as those affected by fires, from RM5,000 to RM10,000," he said.
In the incident, 15 houses were destroyed by fire, affecting 267 individuals from 69 households.
-- BERNAMA