JOHOR BARU: The state government is planning to provide temporary housing for families affected by the fire at Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa in Masai here.
Johor agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the proposal also includes permanent resettlement to ensure long-term stability for the 117 residents who lost their homes in the blaze.
“It will be coordinated through the relevant state departments and agencies to ensure that the affected families are provided with safer and more secure living arrangements.
“I went to the ground to inspect the affected area and I am deeply saddened to see 30 houses destroyed. This tragedy has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the 117 victims involved.
“All victims have been relocated to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Dewan Muafakat Taman Megah Ria,” he said in a Facebook statement on Friday (Feb 13).
He added that the plan was proposed by the relevant departments and agencies to help the affected families rebuild their lives.
At the same time, Zahari expressed gratitude for the swift response and contributions from various departments, agencies, government-linked companies non-governmental organisations and individuals who came forward to extend assistance.
He said the Johor Islamic Religious Council provided immediate cash assistance of RM1,000 and RM2,000 to each family for household essentials upon relocation.
They will also bear the cost of rental, water and electricity bills for their temporary accommodation.
The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) contributed RM1,000 in cash assistance to each family, while Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Johor channelled RM2,000 to every affected household.
Other agencies, including the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa), the Civil Defence Force, Pasir Gudang City Council, Johor Bahru City Council, as well as several GLCs, provided support in the form of food baskets, disaster kits and facilities at the PPS, he said.
He also thanked the Johor Baru District Office, the Social Welfare Department and Jakoa for ensuring the preparedness and smooth management of the PPS in accommodating the victims.
“I hope the assistance extended will help ease the burden of the victims and provide them with renewed hope to rebuild their lives. Let us continue to pray for their safety and well-being,” he said.
A fire broke out at Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa in Masai at around 6.30am on Thursday (Feb 12).
About 30 houses were damaged in the fire but fortunately 100 residents living in the houses were able to escape.
