SANDAKAN: After two major fires in less than two weeks, efforts in Sandakan are shifting from emergency aid to longer-term solutions, including housing and fire prevention measures, says Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu.
She said the recent blaze in Kampung Bahagia exposed significant on-ground challenges, particularly in densely populated water settlements.
She said the proximity of houses, narrow access routes and the stilted nature of the village made it difficult for firefighters to reach the source of the fire quickly.
"The biggest challenge for our firefighters was getting to the actual starting point of the fire," she said during a working visit to a relief centre at Dewan Sibuga here on Friday (May 1).
Aiman Athirah said the issue was not so much a lack of firefighting assets, but structural constraints such as access and water supply, adding that low tide conditions at the time further complicated operations.
To address this, she said the ministry is working with the Sandakan Municipal Council to identify high-risk areas for targeted fire safety training and to expand the role of volunteer fire brigades within communities.
"In situations like this, the people on the ground are the ones who can help first, even before firefighters arrive," she added.
At the same time, Aiman Athirah said the government is prioritising housing solutions for those affected by the fires.
In Sandakan, she said RM3.7mil has been allocated for housing maintenance, including the People’s Housing Programme, with about 70 units identified for immediate repairs.
She said fire victims would be given priority for available housing units, including those under existing People’s Housing Programme schemes.
Aiman Athirah said about 30 vacant units at a PR1MA development could be considered, while a separate PR1MA project in Elopura involving 750 units is about 92% complete and expected to be ready by year-end.
As a temporary measure, she said the government is working with private partners to provide short-term accommodation.
About 50 families are expected to be housed for up to 28 days to allow them time to stabilise while awaiting longer-term arrangements, she added.
Aiman Athirah said a RM19mil upgrade for the Sandakan Fire and Rescue station had been approved this year following an earlier assessment of its needs.
"During my visit last year, we assessed the situation and identified the need for improvements, so the upgrade was approved, and we are also reviewing the required assets," she said.
Aiman Athirah said addressing fire risks would require coordinated efforts involving government agencies and the community, particularly in high-density settlements.
"It's not just about infrastructure and facilities. We also need awareness at the community level, and this requires cooperation from all parties," she said.
