Deputy minister Aiman Athirah Sabu said this initiative is to help the victims of the fire on April 19 as their temporary evacuation centre will close tomorrow, Bernama reported.

The number will be evaluated from time to time because so far there is only space for 50 families, she told reporters after visiting fire victims at the Dewan Sibuga temporary evacuation centre in Sandakan today.

Two weeks ago, a fire broke out in Kampung Bahagia and 1,000 houses were destroyed, affecting more than 9,000 residents.

Aiman said the ministry, through the national housing department, had expedited an allocation of RM3.7 million for the housing maintenance programme in Sabah, including work on the people’s housing project in Sandakan.

In addition, she said the ministry had held discussions with the Sabah government to provide housing options for fire victims.

“For example, there are 30 vacant houses in Residensi Pr1ma Borneo Cove that can be allotted to these victims. This matter will be coordinated with the Sandakan Municipal Council.

“We also have the Elopura Residency, which is currently 92% completed and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. There are 750 units there,” she said.

Meanwhile, Aiman wants residents in floating villages in Sabah to be given training in rescue and fire prevention.

“There is a need to increase the number of volunteer fire brigades, especially in floating house settlements in Sabah,” she said.