KOTA KINABALU: Two temporary relief centres have been opened at Dewan Kampung Likas and Dewan Damai to shelter more than 200 victims of a massive fire that broke out in Kampung Lok Buta, Numbak, here at 1.40am on Sunday (Aug 30).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the move was to facilitate the registration and coordination of victims, as well as the distribution of donations.
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has declared the area a disaster zone following the incident.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the area here today, Mustapha emphasised the need to identify the students affected to ensure that the fire did not disrupt their studies.
Joining Mustapha during the visit was DBKK mayor and District Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
Mustapha, who is also the Sepanggar MP, said he would inform the Education Ministry of the situation to ensure that affected students from schools, higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions received appropriate assistance.
He also urged DBKK and the relevant agencies to hold a meeting and discuss measures to assist those affected by the disaster.
“We will have a Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting, which will be attended by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor).
“Perhaps the DBKK mayor can brief both leaders on the situation and what needs to be done for the fire-affected area,” he said.
Mustapha added that he would extend initial assistance to the families of the three victims who died in the incident.
Three children lost their lives in the incident, which destroyed over 200 houses.
The victims were identified as Nana Abdullah, 4, her brother Mohd Asrul Abdullah, 6, and their cousin Nurfarahdilah Mohd Tajihah, 8. – Bernama
