Sandakan: The Home Ministry (KDN), through the National Registration Department, will assist victims of Sunday's fire tragedy in Sandakan to replace their identity documents in accordance with established procedures. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that the process will require proper verification and will not be automatically granted to all victims.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister highlighted the importance of ownership of personal documents and stated that they cannot be issued arbitrarily to those who are not eligible. He assured that KDN will assist to the best of their ability, particularly for those confirmed as citizens.

Saifuddin Nasution made these remarks at a press conference after attending the signing ceremony for the procurement contract of the second Multi-Purpose Mission Ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. He explained that existing standard operating procedures (SOP) allow for the issuance of replacement identity documents to citizens affected by incidents like fires.

He clarified that while the ministry will facilitate the issuance of replacement documents, each case will be handled individually rather than issuing them wholesale. The immediate priority of the federal and state governments is to ensure the provision of temporary relief centres for all victims.

The fire impacted more than 9,000 individuals and destroyed over 1,000 houses in the Kampung Bahagia water village, affecting more than four hectares. The Sabah state government, in collaboration with state and federal agencies, is actively conducting the registration process for those affected by the disaster.