SANDAKAN: About RM420,000 in assistance has been channelled to victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire through agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) and its partners.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the aid was delivered during his visit to the affected area and temporary relief centre (PPS) at PPR Taman Batu Sapi on Tuesday (April 28).
The contributions involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, Tabung Haji, as well as corporate partners such as QSR Brands and ZUS Coffee.
“This assistance must be done collectively to ensure it is more effective and meaningful for those affected,” he said when met by reporters at the event.
Zulkifli said the coordinated effort reflected strong cooperation between the federal government, state authorities and religious institutions in responding to the disaster.
He added that assistance would go beyond immediate relief, with attention also being given to the needs of affected children, particularly in terms of schooling and religious education.
“We will also look at aspects such as schooling, Quran and Fardu Ain (Kafa) classes and Islamic education for the children, with the cooperation of all parties involved,” he said.
During the visit, he also toured a mosque in Kampung Bahagia, which remains standing and is currently being used by residents affected by the fire.
Zulkifli said the government would assess how to improve facilities at the mosque to better support the community.
“We will look at what can be done to enhance the facilities there and ensure it continues to serve the needs of the surrounding community,” he said.
He added that further improvements and targeted assistance would be considered moving forward, including support for health needs and vulnerable groups such as infants.
“I saw that there are newborn babies among those affected, so we need to look at each case and provide assistance based on their specific needs,” he said.
He also commended the strong collaboration shown by various agencies and organisations involved in the relief efforts, describing it as a united response in facing a disaster.
