KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has graciously bestowed RM500,000 to fire victims in Kudat and Sandakan.
The contribution was presented by Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation managing trustee Tan Sri Avinderjit Singh to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the presence of His Majesty at Istana Negara here on Wednesday (June 24).
In expressing his appreciation on behalf of the state for the contribution granted, Hajiji said it reflected His Majesty’s concern for the people of Sabah who were affected by the disasters.
"The state government greatly appreciates the contribution and support provided, particularly for the fire tragedies at Kampung Gumpa, Kudat, and the major fire at Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan," he said in a statement.
He said the Sabah government, through the state disaster management committee, would continue to strengthen the coordination of welfare aid, management of temporary relief centres, and safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of the victims.
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, state Home Affairs and Research secretary Datuk Awang Shahminan Sahari, Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Walter Kenson and Kudat district officer Charles William Dabbi.
On April 16, eight houses were destroyed in Kudat involving 67 victims.
Two days later, a massive blaze razed 1,050 houses in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan, affecting 914 heads of households.
