‘Over RM2 million channelled to fire victims in 2020’
KUCHING: The Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak had channelled assistance totalling RM2,361,811.75 to 1,934 fire victims throughout the state from January to December 2020.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the amount comprised immediate assistance totalling RM1,098,991.75 and building materials worth RM1,231,720.
“For 2020, a total of 118 fire cases were reported involving 357 families,” she said when launching a fire safety campaign in celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, conducted by Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department here yesterday.
Elaborating, Fatimah said between January and March 2021, a total of 21 fire incidents had been reported, involving 395 victims from 89 families.
“The assistance provided was immediate assistance amounting to RM201,550 and building materials worth RM319,620,” she said.
Meanwhile, on the operating status of private educational institutions (IPS) in Sarawak, Fatimah said the matter would be decided at the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) meeting, adding that it would be a collective decision based on the advice from the state Health Department.
“The MKN (National Security Council) made such a decision so that we can break the Covid-19 chain.
“Therefore, the SDMC would make the appropriate decision,” she said.
On Sunday, the MKN issued a directive of not allowing IPS registered with the Education Ministry, including international and expatriate schools, tuition centres, development centres and language centres, as well as private kindergartens, to conduct face-to-face operations from May 10 until June 6, 2021. — Bernama