A fire tore through Kampung Bahagia in Sandakan on 19 April 2026, destroying around 1,000 houses. Three days later, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited the site and announced immediate financial assistance for affected families.

RM1,500 Per Family From The Federal Government

The Federal Government will provide RM1,500 in compassionate aid to each affected family. The assistance will be coordinated through the Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Disaster Management Agency. “While this is not a long-term solution, it is an immediate measure. I want the assistance to be delivered promptly, as the affected families need assurance,” Anwar said.

RM300 For Each Affected Student

The Education Ministry has agreed to provide RM300 each to 454 Malaysian students from 12 schools in the Sandakan area to help them purchase uniforms, books, and other school necessities. Children of fire victims will also be given priority to return to school as soon as possible, with temporary flexibility on uniforms and transport assistance from evacuation centres to schools where needed.

“I do not want the victims to bear additional burdens, and these children must not be left behind in terms of their education,” Anwar said.

Unregistered Victims Also Covered

Anwar said the government would extend assistance to all those affected on humanitarian grounds, including those who have yet to register. He acknowledged that some residents had not registered out of concern over possible action against them. “I want to assure them that, for now, our priority is their safety and welfare,” he said. Affected families can also refer to the Bantuan Wang Ihsan guide for more on how government disaster aid is typically applied for and distributed.

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Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

About THE AUTHOR

Iman Aminuddin

Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

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