SANDAKAN: The Sabah government is considering developing Kampung Bahagia in Batu Sapi here into a recognised village following a fire that destroyed almost the entire settlement on Sunday (April 19).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said proposals are being studied, including the possible relocation of residents and redevelopment of the area.
He said the settlement, previously under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is no longer designated as such and could now be transformed into a proper village.
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"We are considering that, but we will (wait for) a full report from the Sandakan district disaster management committee before making a final decision," he said after visiting the site on Monday (April 20).
Kampung Bahagia was once under UNHCR, which managed Filipino refugees fleeing the Moro conflict in the southern Philippines in the 1970s.
Hajiji said the report, expected within one to two weeks, would outline recommendations including possible land reclamation to enable housing development.
The fire, which broke out early Sunday, destroyed nearly 1,000 houses, leaving thousands displaced.
Police said that a total of 9,007 people were affected by the blaze, with many still without permanent shelter.
Six temporary evacuation centres have since been activated to house victims, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation.
Hajiji said the state government would provide immediate financial assistance of RM2,000 to each affected household.
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The aid comprises RM1,000 from the state government and RM1,000 from Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.
The Chief Minister said about 30% of those affected were Malaysians and the rest were non-citizens, but stressed that assistance would be extended to all victims regardless of citizenship status.
"The state government will help as much as possible to ease their burden and find a long-term solution for Kampung Bahagia," he said.
