Streams of vehicles laden with essentials arrive as early as 6am
SANDAKAN: After a devastating blaze reduced Kampung Bahagia to ashes in a matter of hours, aid has poured in from across Sabah, offering a lifeline to thousands left with nothing.
The grounds of Masjid Kampung Bahagia have been filled with a constant stream of vehicles, arriving one after another, to unload donations such as packed meals, drinking water, rice, clothing, baby essentials and canopies.
Despite being a victim himself, Mukmin Andang remained on-site, leaving his wife and five children at a temporary evacuation centre (PPS), to help manage the flow of aid.
“I’ve been helping to organise the situation here and manage aid coming in so it can be distributed properly. Many people are helping, but it is still difficult to control,” the 40-year-old factory supervisor said.
He added that while assistance began arriving as early as 6am and has continued steadily, there is now a mismatch in supplies.
“We received too many clothes. What we really need now are pillows and mattresses, because many may have to stay here for quite some time,” he said.
Thousands are still at the evacuation centres, with some choosing to remain in Kampung Bahagia under makeshift canopies or within the mosque compound.
Imam of Masjid Kampung Bahagia, Irwan Albani, said overcrowding at relief centres has made it difficult to accommodate large families.
“In some cases, one family can have 11 or 12 members, and they have to stay in one tent. There is simply not enough space, so some have no choice but to stay here,” he said.
For business owner Shelina Azhar, the scale of the loss prompted immediate action.
The 28-year-old local gold shop owner mobilised aid, including 2,000 packed meals, about 60 canopies, baby supplies and basic necessities.
“We saw that they lost their homes and had nowhere to stay. Many didn’t have time to take anything with them, not even money. So we came down to help in any way we can,” she said.
The local youths also stepped forward.
Hykall Harrazz, 35, a Sandakan-based businessman said he and friends pooled RM1,300 to buy diapers and milk formula, which were repacked into smaller portions for distribution.
“We just wanted to do something, even if it’s small. When we saw families losing everything, especially those with babies, it really hit us,” he said.
Amid the loss faced by the victims, the outpouring of support from across Sabah has become a source of strength for those affected.
