SANDAKAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to visit the site of the Kampung Bahagia fire in Batu Sapi on Monday to assess the situation and deliver aid to affected residents, as the Sabah State Government mobilises all relevant agencies to ensure victims’ safety and expedite assistance.
Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Batu Sapi Member of Parliament, Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, confirmed the visit, stating that the Chief Minister is also expected to announce the government’s next steps in response to the tragedy.
“I wish to inform that tomorrow, God willing, the Chief Minister will come to Kampung Bahagia and present several forms of assistance to the victims,” he told reporters during a site visit on Sunday.
“He will also announce what actions will be taken following this heartbreaking incident.”
Khairul Firdaus said the Batu Sapi Parliamentary office will remain at the scene to coordinate all aid and support for the affected community. He stressed that clear communication and coordination between victims and government agencies are essential to ensure assistance is delivered efficiently and without confusion.
“The Parliamentary office will stay at ground zero to mobilise all types of help and support. Most importantly, we want to ensure coordination between the fire victims and all government agencies is well-organised, so no misunderstandings or communication problems arise during this difficult time,” he said.
Khairul Firdaus expressed confidence that with the cooperation of all parties, including the Sabah State Government, victims would receive the best possible assistance, including relocation support.
Earlier, it was reported that about 1,000 houses in the water village of Kampung Bahagia were destroyed in an early morning fire — the third reported fire in the area. Khairul Firdaus noted that the government has now officially gazetted the village, paving the way for more structured development.
“For everyone’s information, the previous government never gazetted this village. This time, our government has done so. Now that the village is gazetted, much more organised development can be carried out, and as mentioned, we will take various measures to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.
Among the proposals to be considered, he said, are the construction of a People’s Housing Project (PPR) or the provision of alternative housing for those who lost their homes.
“I don’t want to make promises, but we can discuss with the State Government to establish a PPR. If not a PPR, we will restore housing similar to what they previously occupied,” he said.
In a Facebook post, Hajiji said he was deeply saddened by the reports of the major fire. He added that the priority at present is to safeguard the welfare of the victims and ensure their comfort, including through the provision of temporary shelters, basic necessities and food.
“The State Government will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that all forms of assistance are delivered promptly and effectively,” he said. – James Leong
Khairul Firdaus expressed confidence that with the cooperation of all parties, including the Sabah State Government, victims would receive the best possible assistance, including relocation support.
