Dr Annuar: Kg Hilir fire victims can get temporary accommodation at Rantau Panjang flats

SIBU (Sept 24): Kampung Hilir fire victims will be offered temporary accommodation at flats in Rantau Panjang here, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said they will also be given the option to find their own rental accommodation.

“For the long term, I will discuss with the government about providing them with housing in Kemuyang.

“The priority at the moment is to help all the victims find a house so that they can continue their lives as usual,” he said when visiting the fire victims at the Surau Darul Ma’wa temporary relief centre last night.

The Nangka assemblyman said that some of the affected families had previously been advised to register for housing in Kemuyang, especially those living near the riverbank.

He pointed out houses are available for purchase in Kemuyang and getting those houses is now a priority for the fire victims.

On another issue, he said all cash donations for the fire victims should be managed by the selected community leader before being transferred to the Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) fund, which is managed by the Sibu Resident’s Office.

He stressed no other individuals are allowed to collect donations for the victims, although family and friends could contribute directly to those affected.

“For official donations, please donate through the committee. Online donations can be made through the SDMC Sibu account at CIMB Bank, account number 8601276029,” he said.

He added emergency relief funds totalling RM35,000 from the Nangka Service Centre will be distributed to all the fire victims.

Over 130 people lost their homes after a fire destroyed more than 10 houses on Sunday.