CM assures govt's help for fire victims
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Haji Apdal yesterday visited the fire victims at the community hall.
He said the state government would do its best to assist the victims.
He said the number one priority at the moment is the health and wellbeing of the victims, especially the elderly and children.
“What's gone is gone and there is nothing much we can do about it. What is important right now is everybody's health and safety.
“We don't want anyone to be infected with any disease or illness; we want to make sure everybody is comfortable.
“That is why I have spoken to the mayor to move some of you to other halls temporarily as this hall is overcrowded.
“We, the state government, will do our best to look after your wellbeing,” he said to large cheers and claps from the victims.
Meanwhile, Rema Mengkabong will be sleeping on the floor at the Likas community hall for the next several days after her house was among 150 destroyed in a fire at Kampung Cenderamata 2, in Likas, here on Tuesday.
Although many of the fire victims will stay in the cramped community hall for the next several days, Rema is facing her hardest challenge as she is unable to move on her own and needs to be assisted even to go to the toilet.
The 59-year-old mother broke her right ankle and sustained burns on her back while escaping the 2.17pm fire on July 24.
According to her daughter, Azizah, 31, the victim was trying to save their belongings and during the chaotic moments fell into the water.
“Fortunately, several neighbours came to my mother's aid and pulled her out of the water.
“My mother broke her ankle during the fall and sustained burns on her body while escaping the fire.
“Now she is having difficulty to lie down on her back as it is too painful for her.
“She also needs to be assisted and carried to the toilet each time she needs to use the bathroom,” said Azizah who was by her mother's side when met yesterday.
With tears in her eyes, one can tell how grateful she is for the care she received from officers from the health department, other government agencies and volunteers.
Meanwhile, another fire victim, who only wanted to be identified as Aziz, claimed to have lost everything, including important documents, in the fire.
“I did not manage to save anything as most of us (family members) were working when the fire happened.
“All we have right now is the clothes we have been wearing since yesterday,” said the labourer in his 40s.
The fire broke out around 2.17pm, destroying more than 150 wooden houses that were mostly built close to one another.
More than 150 families lost their homes and are now being sheltered at the Likas Community Hall while some are taking refuge with other family members.
Among them are senior citizens, children and infants.
Also present yesterday were Minister of Health and People's Well-being Stephen Wong Tien Fatt, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry cum Karambunai assemblyman Azhar Matussin, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and Sabah Deputy Commissioner of Police Omar Mammah.