Hutan melintang: The government announced its commitment to assist victims of the devastating fire in Kampung Bagan Pasir Laut, Hutan Melintang, by providing aid to rebuild homes destroyed in the incident last Saturday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that 21 heads of household and several shop lot owners have been identified for assistance following a census. The allocated aid for each housing unit is approximately RM86,000. On the day of the announcement, various government departments, agencies, non-governmental organizations, and associations contributed RM10,000 to each affected family. Additionally, a local Buddhist association provided RM100,000 in aid to all victims.

Ahmad Zahid, also the Member of Parliament for Bagan Datuk, visited the fire site and presented aid to the victims. During his visit, he personally contributed RM3,000 to each affected household. The fire, which occurred at around 4 am on Saturday, resulted in the destruction of 21 houses, several shop lots, and a temple.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the government will coordinate with relevant agencies to issue land titles to all affected households. This measure will enable residents to rebuild their homes on land currently under Temporary Occupancy Licence (TOL) status. Kampung Bagan Pasir Laut, a 140-year-old fishing village, comprises 149 homes and several business premises.

In addition to the housing aid, a private individual has pledged to contribute to the reconstruction of the damaged temple.