TAWAU: The State Government announced a RM18.2 million allocation for the reconstruction of homes and infrastructures damaged in the 17 March fires here and in Semporna in 2015.

More then 1,000 heads of households (KIR) affected in both places will benefit from this. Hajiji said of the RM18.2 million allocation, RM10 million will be allocated to the 608 local heads of households in Tawau to rebuild their homes whilst the RM8.2 million will be for immediate implementation of projects for damages to properties and infrastructures at Kg Bangau-Bangau in Semporna.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor made this announcement following the presentation of Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) to 200 heads of households (KIR) affected by the recent Kg Kurnia Jaya, Mile 4, Jalan Apas fire, here.

The remaining 408 KIR will receive theirs later. Each KIR will receive RM500.

“The state government is concerned for the plight of those in distress and In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan, I trust these aids will be a relief for those impacted,” he said.

The Kg Kurnia Jaya fire affected 608 local families comprising 3,012 people. The fire destroyed 591 houses. 300 homes were destroyed in the Semporna fire affecting 3,000 people.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced a RM500 bonus payout to civil servants
in the Gred 54 and below categories in conjunction with the Hari Raya and Harvest Festival celebrations this year.  Pensioners will receive half the amount.

Hajiji was accompanied by Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing  Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, his assistant minister, Datuk Julita Majungki, State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong and local Tawau assemblymen at the Dewan Masyarakat Tawau ceremony here this morning.-pr/BNN