PM announces RM1,500 cash aid for families affected by Sandakan fire

 Anwar Ibrahim also says 454 students will receive RM300 each.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Kampung Bahagia in Sandakan, Sabah, where about 1,000 houses were razed in a fire on Sunday. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced RM1,500 in cash aid for the 300 families whose homes at Kampung Bahagia in Sandakan, Sabah, were destroyed in a fire in Sunday.

Anwar said the aid would be channelled through the implementation coordination unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Disaster Management Agency.

“Separately, the 454 students affected by the fire will receive RM300 in schooling aid,” he told reporters after visiting Kampung Bahagia today.

Present were Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Mustapha Sakmud.

Anwar also said the home ministry would replace identification documents, such as MyKad, death certificates and marriage certificates, for the victims for free.

“The home ministry has detailed records to verify the citizenship of those affected,” he said.

More than 9,000 residents were displaced after about 1,000 houses were razed in the fire. No casualties were reported.

The Sabah government has since distributed RM2,000 in aid to the affected families.

Each head of household received RM1,000 in special aid from the state government and another RM1,000 from Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah. - FMT