KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has given immediate cash assistance of RM1,300 to each household involved in Saturday's (March 1) fire at Kampung Cempaka here that left 511 people from 91 families homeless.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who visited the victims on Monday (March 3), said the state gave each head of household RM1,000, while Yayasan Sabah contributed RM300 each.
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Noting that the fire occurred just a day before the start of the fasting month, he said the state government was concerned for the victims and was considering other forms of assistance.
He said the state government, relevant agencies and Kota Kinabalu City Hall Kinabalu (DBKK) will discuss how to help the victims, especially now during Ramadan.
"In this fasting month, it is challenging for them with the hardship of having lost their homes," he said after his visit.
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He said the government was also providing food baskets, gas stoves and other essential items.
Two temporary shelters at community halls were opened after the fire, with the Likas centre accommodating 200 people from 34 families and Damai centre housing 311 victims from 57 families.
Government agencies including the Community Development Unit, Malaysian Civil Defence Department (APM) and Social Welfare Department gave immediate food assistance to victims at the centres.
