Sandakan: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has joined forces with Airbnb to offer 50 temporary houses for 28 days, free of charge, to the victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire. This initiative aims to provide relief to the affected individuals as the temporary evacuation center is scheduled to close on May 2.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu highlighted the importance of this initiative, drawing parallels with previous disaster responses, such as the Putra Heights explosion in Selangor. The collaboration with Airbnb is intended to offer temporary housing solutions, and the availability of 50 houses will be assessed continuously. Aiman Athirah provided this update during her visit to the Dewan Sibuga Temporary Evacuation Centre, which is currently hosting the fire victims.
The devastating fire that erupted in Kampung Bahagia two weeks ago resulted in the destruction of 1,000 houses, affecting over 9,000 residents. In response, the KPKT, through the National Housing Department, has expedited a RM3.7 million allocation for a housing maintenance program, which includes work on the people's housing project in Sandakan. With 70 units identified for maintenance, fire victims will be prioritized for these placements.
Furthermore, the ministry has engaged with the Sabah government to explore additional housing solutions for those affected by the fire. Discussions have focused on the availability of 30 vacant houses in Residensi Pr1ma Borneo Cove, which could be prioritized for the victims, in coordination with the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS). Additionally, the nearly completed Elopura residency, projected to finish by year-end, offers 750 housing units that could serve as PPR accommodations for the fire victims.
Deputy Minister Aiman Athirah also emphasized the need for training in rescue and fire prevention for residents in Sabah's floating villages. She advocated for an increase in the number of volunteer fire brigades, highlighting the crucial role of residents as first responders in fire emergencies.