ENGKILILI: A total of RM55,000 has been approved for the fire victims of the Polly Sulau settlement to buy building materials after the 11-door longhouse was destroyed by a fire which claimed the life of a child.
Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa presented the aid to fire victims in Bukong Asal, Lidong this morning.
The financial assistance is in addition to other aid such as RM100 pocket money per person, RM50 in food assistance for 30 people, school aid and sleeping necessities.
The 34 fire victims, including four children, were also given kitchen equipment worth RM72,900 to help them recover after losing their homes.
In a brief speech, Rayong advised all victims to be patient.
“I am deeply saddened by this incident, which is tragic because it resulted in the death of a child.
“In this regard, I would like to remind the public to exercise caution when working with flammable materials such as power sources, cooking and household sockets,” he said.
The Youth chief of the United Sarawak Party (PSB) also reminded the people not to underestimate the dangers of fire.
He conveyed his appreciation to individuals, government agencies such as the Betong Social Welfare Department, Betong Divisional Health Department, Betong ATM Veterans, Police, Betong Fire and Rescue personnel and Lidong Skrang chiefs for coming forward to help since the first day of the fire.
“Helping among each other is a noble act and I, as the representative of all the victims, am very grateful for the assistance,whether directly or indirectly. I am very concerned about all the disasters that befell the people of Engkilili,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Betong Division Health Department has included the construction of a makeshift toilet for the fire victims in its plans.
Several chiefs from Lidong, heads of government departments, and members of the community from Lidong Betong were present during the presentation of aid to the fire victims.
