KOTA KINABALU – Victims of the Pulau Gaya-Kg Lok Urai water village fire two days ago have been advised to make a police report on the matter.
State Community Development and People’s Welfare Minister Shahelmey Yahya said it was important for those who lost their important documents – include personal identification documents – to do so in order to allow the authorities to begin the process of re-issuing new ones.
“Fire victims must get in touch with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) officials as well on the matter,” the minister told the media after paying a visit to those affected.
The Pulau Gaya islanders have decided to stay put on the enclave instead of moving out to two temporary shelters set up for them in Sembulan and Likas.
“We are here to visit the fire victims instead of going to the temporary evacuation shelters at the Sembulan and Likas multipurpose halls to bring them food aid baskets,” he said while confirming that only Malaysian fire victims will receive building materials from the government, including roofing materials, wooden planks, and plywood.
“To date, 75 affected families have been registered, but the process was still ongoing.”
On the area’s fire safety planning aspect, Shahelmey said it was something that would need to be discussed with DBKK and the relevant local authorities and agencies.
According to a Bernama report yesterday, building materials for houses, food and temporary shelters are among the assistance extended by the government to fire victims in Pulau Gaya.
It said DBKK was identifying the status of the house and its land and building materials assistance would be given to the gazetted land.
Shahelmy said DBKK’s report is expected to be obtained within a week – and if it is not gazetted then, building materials assistance cannot be provided.
DBKK is also getting in touch with families involved to verify whether they are citizens or non-citizens.
The government – through the Welfare Services Department – provided tents as temporary accommodation for the victims at the relief centres for up to seven days.
Cooked food was also provided – and after they are ready to leave this evacuation centre, victims will be supplied with sufficient food baskets assistance for a week.
In the fire incident about 8.30pm, a total of 73 water village homes were completely destroyed, leaving more than 200 residents stranded, while another 757 homes were saved through the quick action of the Fire and Rescue Department. – The Vibes, March 13, 2021
