Sandakan: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a free replacement initiative for personal identification documents as well as RM300 in education aid for fire victims in Kampung Bahagia here. He emphasized the government's commitment to assisting those affected by a major fire that recently devastated the community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister stated that National Registration Department (JPN) personnel would be deployed to Kampung Bahagia to facilitate the replacement of destroyed documents. This process will be conducted through the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) mobile service. The initiative will cover the full cost of replacing critical personal identification documents, including MyKad, MyKid, Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Non-Muslim Marriage Certificates, with passport replacements managed by the Immigration Department.
During his visit to the temporary relief center at the Taman Batu Sapi People's Housing Project Hall, Anwar mentioned that he had coordinated with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure the necessary support was provided. The visit was attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Mustapha Sakmud.
On Sunday, April 19, a devastating fire in the water village destroyed approximately 1,000 houses, affecting an area of over four hectares. Anwar also announced that 454 Malaysian pupils from 12 schools affected by the fire would receive RM300 in aid through the Ministry of Education. This financial assistance aims to help replace school uniforms, books, and other essential items.
Beyond financial support, Anwar addressed the need for flexibility, allowing students to attend school without uniforms temporarily to ensure their education continued uninterrupted. The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has been tasked with arranging new uniforms. Anwar assured that logistical facilities, including transportation, would be provided to facilitate pupils' continued school attendance.