KOTA KINABALU: The state government will assist the 12 families affected by a fire that destroyed a row of shophouses at Kampung Timbua in Ranau on Friday (May 1), says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The Deputy Chief Minister I, who visited the victims, said that the state was identifying their immediate needs to ensure timely assistance was channelled to them.
The state Public Works and Utilities Minister said they were gathering details on the victims' urgent requirements, including temporary shelter, food supplies and financial support.
“The state government is always concerned about the welfare of the people, especially in emergencies like this. We will strive to ease the burden faced by the victims by channelling appropriate aid,” he said after visiting the victims—52 people who are being housed at the Kg Timbua mini-hall on Sunday (May 3).
Dr Joachim, Kundasang assemblyman, said he hoped that with coordinated assistance, the victims would recover from the tragedy and rebuild their livelihoods.
Dr Joachim, in extending his sympathy to the victims, said that immediate assistance was provided by the Kundasang Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) led by Dounis Sany, together with the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Kundasang youth division wing.
The fire, which broke out around 5.50pm on Labour Day, razed 11 lots of semi-permanent housing, grocery shops and coffeeshops, leaving traders and residents without income and property. Two cars and several motorcycles were destroyed in the fire.
