Relief efforts underway for 42 villagers after Miri’s Kampung Pasir fire

MIRI (March 20): Immediate relief efforts have been mobilised to assist 42 villagers left homeless after a fire destroyed 10 houses in Kampung Pasir, Lutong, early Thursday morning.

Miri MP Chiew Choon Man said he was deeply saddened upon receiving news of the incident and extended his sympathies to the affected families.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the affected villagers during this distressing time,” he said in a statement.

Following the incident, Chiew deployed a team of officers from his service centre, led by PKR Miri Youth Chief Christopher Jemat Amie and Chiew’s special aide Chaw Zhe Jian, to assess the situation on the ground.

He said the team has begun distributing food assistance to provide immediate relief to victims, who are currently being sheltered at Kampung Pasir multipurpose hall.

“At the same time, I have instructed my team to work closely with the relevant departments to arrange temporary shelter so that every displaced villager has a safe and secure place to stay as they begin the difficult process of recovery,” he said.

Chiew, who is also Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said efforts are ongoing to provide essential daily necessities to support the victims in the coming days.

His office is also assessing the needs of the affected families, with financial aid to be channelled once their identities have been verified.

“We are also working closely with the Welfare Department to ensure that all necessary government assistance reaches these families as quickly as possible,” Chiew added.

Reaffirming his commitment to assist the victims, he said he would continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant government and state agencies to ensure sustained support for those affected.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, razed 10 homes and displaced dozens of villagers.

Also present to witness the distribution of food aid to the fire victims was Bomba Lutong chief Henry Jugah.