Taman Ceria fire victims receive aid from JKM, MRC Miri

MIRI (Oct 14): The flat residents of Taman Ceria at Permyjaya here, whose units were destroyed in a fire last Saturday, have received assistance from the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKM) and the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri branch.

Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin was present to hand over the aid yesterday, where he was accompanied by Councillor Jeffery Phang and Lutong Fire and Rescue (Bomba) station chief Henry Jugah.

When met by the reporters, he said the food items and clothes were among the immediate aid provided to the fire victims.

“I have also instructed JKM to assess the need for school supplies, including uniforms meant for the students affected by the incident.

“Of the 51 victims affected by the fire, 16 are students,” said the Senadin assemblyman.

Lee added that he would soon contribute cash assistance to the victims.

Moreover, he said that he would request the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to assist the victims whose properties, at the time of the incident, were still under loan.

“I have requested HDC to help them with their insurance claims. As for those who have fully paid off their housing loans, we will look for ways to offer them assistance,” he said.

Eight units of a two-storey flat in Permyjaya were destroyed in a fire last Saturday.

There was no report of casualties.

According to Bomba, they received a distress call at 3.05pm, after which firefighters from Lutong, Miri, and Lopeng stations were despatched to the location.

“Upon arrival, it was found that the fire had affected eight units – six were completely destroyed, and two were about 60 per cent damaged.”

Bomba said the firefighters proceeded to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other units.

The operation concluded at 6.18pm.

The cause of the fire and the losses incurred are still under investigation.