Minister: Two houses destroyed in Kg Buntal fire to be rebuilt

KUCHING (April 10): Two houses razed in a fire at Kampung Buntal here on Thursday afternoon would be rebuilt to accommodate all 21 affected residents, assured Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister and Santubong MP said discussions were underway with the State Development Office (SDO) and other relevant agencies to expedite reconstruction following the complete destruction of the homes.

“We will work together to speed up the process to help them (the victims), as the houses were completely destroyed, 100 per cent. InsyaAllah, we will assist them,” she told reporters during a site visit.

Nancy clarified that the rebuilding would not fall under the Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT), as the case involved a disaster.

The fire, which broke out at 3.14pm on April 9, involved two houses located near a seafood restaurant in Kampung Buntal near here.

Initial reports indicated that the blaze started at the veranda of one house before spreading rapidly due to strong winds, engulfing a second nearby home.

A total of 21 residents were affected: 12 from the first house, and nine from the second, including 11 children and a wheelchair-bound woman who owned the second house and was suffering from a bone condition affecting her mobility.

All occupants managed to escape safely with the help of villagers.

Currently, victims from the first house are temporarily staying in staff quarters of a nearby seafood restaurant with the owner’s permission, while the second family is staying with relatives in Kampung Buntal Lot.

Nancy said temporary shelter at a newly-completed community hall had been offered, although the families had opted to stay with relatives for now while longer-term housing plans were finalised.

During the visit, victims received immediate relief assistance in the form of cash aid, food supplies and essential items.

The Santubong parliamentary service centre provided RM3,000 per house, along with food items, a wheelchair and drinking water.

The SDO contributed RM1,000 per house and food baskets, while the Welfare Department extended RM300 per house through its emergency fund and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN), which Nancy chairs, also contributed RM500 per household.