JOHOR BARU: Telecommunications companies have been asked to provide free SIM card replacements to victims of the recent fire at Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa in Masai here.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said discussions had been held with the Johor Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to coordinate the replacement exercise sooner.
"I was informed that about 70 victims had their SIM cards damaged. Some were burned in the fire, while others may have been affected by the air during the incident.
"So we will work together with Johor MCMC to arrange for the telco companies to come here and carry out the SIM card replacements for free on humanitarian grounds,” she said to reporters during a visit to the Dewan Muafakat Megah Ria temporary relief centre here on Sunday (Feb 15).
She added that replacing the SIM cards was crucial to ensure victims could continue using their mobile phones to stay in touch with family members and access important information.
“Usually, there is a charge for SIM card replacement. But in this situation, we hope the telco companies will assist by waiving the fee so that the victims can resume communication immediately,” she added.
Teo, who visited the site, also inspected the 4G and 5G coverage in the area.
“I am pleased to inform you that, as this is an urban area, there are no issues with internet coverage. Both 4G and 5G services are functioning well.
“However, if there are any connectivity issues, victims can contact MCMC Johor or me as we want to ensure they continue to enjoy reasonable internet speeds while staying at the PPS,” she said.
Teo said she was also present, representing Johor DAP, to extend financial assistance to the affected families.
“We were informed that there are 40 families affected. So we are here to deliver RM500 in cash to each family and to show our solidarity with all the victims,” she said.
Meanwhile, Johor Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) director Faisal Long said a temporary relocation site has been identified in Kuala Masai.
"The discussions will be held in a meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Feb 16), involving the district office and related agencies.
"The proposed site is on land owned by JAKOA and has been agreed upon by the Orang Asli community there," he said.
He said an earlier plan to relocate the families to the People's Housing Programme (PPR) Taman Cendana was not agreed to by the community.
“Initially, there was a proposal to relocate them to PPR Cendana, but the community did not agree, as it is about five kilometres away from their source of income.
“Their livelihood is closely tied to the sea, so they requested a location nearer to coastal areas. We visited Kuala Masai this morning and found the site suitable, and the local Orang Asli community there has also agreed to accept them,” he added.
He added that a coordination meeting involving the district office, the Mentri Besar’s office and other relevant agencies will be held to determine the next course of action, including the construction of temporary homes.
“We are targeting the temporary houses to be ready within one to two weeks, so that all 40 affected families can move there,” he said.
Faisal said a total of 143 individuals from 40 families are expected to be relocated.
He noted that even families whose homes were not destroyed would also move, as the current settlement sits on company-owned land.
“It is not our land. For better management, development planning and healthcare arrangements, they should relocate to land under JAKOA,” he said.
Faisal said schooling for 19 students from the affected families is continuing as usual.
"The students are currently attending classes at SK Senibong and SMK Permas Jaya.
“As their school uniforms were destroyed in the fire, they have been given flexibility to wear daily clothes to school for the time being,” he said.
He added that the students are being transported to school by a truck provided by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force to ensure their attendance is not disrupted.
