Kelantan: Kelantan is aiming to raise RMR500,000 through donations to rebuild eight homes destroyed by a fire in Kampung Kijang. State executive councillor for Public Works, Infrastructure, Water, and Rural Development, Datuk Dr Izani Husin, said the donation drive currently has reached nearly RM100,000.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all the fire victims come from low-income groups, and their house lots were rented. The fund was launched following a discussion with the Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud. The initiative is focused on securing eight units of ‘Rumah Dhuafa’ (homes for the needy) in Kampung Badang, built by the state. The funds collected will be used to construct these houses to provide new shelter for the victims, as stated by Dr Izani during the launch of the donation drive in Kampung Kijang.

Izani mentioned that they are considering building ‘Rumah Dhuafa’ units, each valued at RM45,000, with a completion target by August. They have set a one-month period to collect the funds, hoping the amount raised will be sufficient to cover construction costs. However, the construction of the houses will depend on the total amount collected and the contractors’ willingness to offer flexible payment terms.

Additionally, the state government is working to provide temporary rental housing for the eight affected families for three months, with costs covered by the state. On April 28, eight houses in Kampung Kijang were destroyed in a 4.40 am fire, affecting 31 victims. One of the victims, Mat Husin Sulaiman, 64, a fisherman, expressed hope for expedited construction of new homes as they are currently staying with neighbors and relatives.

Mat Husin shared his experience, stating, “We hope to have a more comfortable shelter. During the incident, I only escaped with clothes on my back after realising the flames were spreading into the house quickly,” he said. Single mother of six, Yah Che Ngah, 60, also expressed her concerns, mentioning that she is now living with a neighbor and is saddened by the loss of her 40-year-old house. She is looking for a rental home for now but hopes to eventually have a permanent one.