Sandakan: The extraordinary spirit of solidarity among the members of the Community Development Department (KEMAS) nationwide has borne fruit, with funds totaling RM143,239.00 successfully collected in just two weeks to assist victims of the recent fire in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that the KEMAS Solidarity Donation initiative was mobilised to help those affected, including four Volunteer Community Education Assistants (PPMS) who lost their homes, as well as 83 children from four Tabika (kindergarten) classes in the area.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, mentioned that this noble effort reflects the collective spirit of KEMAS personnel across the country in aiding communities struck by disaster.
He expressed how deeply moved he was by the solidarity shown by the KEMAS community through this initiative to assist the fire victims in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan, Sabah.
He further emphasised that this aid is crucial to ensure that the early childhood education of those affected is not disrupted by the destruction of property and learning facilities.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the funds collected through Tabika, skill classes, and KEMAS community programmes will be used to support the families of the PPMS staff who lost their residences, in addition to financing the purchase of equipment and learning materials for the affected children.
He added that the disaster was not just a loss of homes or learning facilities, but also an impact on the continuity of early education for these children, which is a significant responsibility for the nation.
Therefore, the channeled aid is vital to ensure the welfare of the affected families is protected and that the teaching and learning process for the Tabika children can resume as soon as possible.
He also recorded his appreciation to all KEMAS personnel and contributors who made the mission a success, expressing hope that such values of compassion will continue to be a source of strength in lightening the burden of those in need.