But Malaysian citizens will be prioritised for housing
SANDAKAN: Aid for victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire will be given regardless of status, but long-term housing solutions will prioritise Malaysian citizens, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the approach reflects the realities on the ground, as a significant number of those affected are not citizens.
“Housing will certainly have different categories as we will prioritise citizens, but immediate assistance is given to all,” he said after visiting the fire victims, housed at Kg Bahagia mosque and temporary relief centre at PPR Taman Batu Sapi.
He said assistance would be extended to all affected families on humanitarian grounds.
“Although we know it is a bit complicated because some are not citizens, in terms of aid, we will provide it to all affected families,” he added.
During his visit, the Prime Minister announced RM1,500 in aid from the Federal Government for each affected family.
This involves about 300 families, with a total allocation of RM450,000.
The federal assistance will be channelled through the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Disaster Management Agency.
This brings the total immediate assistance to RM3,500 per household, including the earlier announced RM2,000 from the Sabah government.
On education, the Prime Minister said that children affected by the fire should return to school immediately, even without uniforms.
He said schools have been instructed to allow flexibility while assistance is arranged for uniforms and school supplies.
“This is not the time to enforce laws and regulations. Our priority is to ensure their safety and welfare.
“Students must go back to school. Even if they do not have uniforms for now, there will be flexibility.”
The Education Ministry will provide RM300 in special assistance to each Malaysian student, benefiting 454 students from 12 schools, the Prime Minister added.
He said additional support, including transport arrangements where necessary, would be considered to ensure students at relief centres can continue attending school.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday displaced 9,007 residents after destroying about 1,000 stilt houses in Kampung Bahagia in Batu Sapi.
