TATAU – Financial assistance has been provided to 19 heads of households affected by a fire that razed the Kampung Seberang Pasar Lama settlement on Monday.
Each family received a donation of RM500 from Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, during a ceremony at the Tatau District Police Headquarters.
The fire, which occurred around 10 a.m., completely destroyed 19 houses and displaced 87 residents. Many of those affected have sought temporary refuge with relatives or in longhouses, while five families are being accommodated at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) established at the Kampung Dagang Multipurpose Hall.
Dato Sri John Sikie expressed his sympathy for the victims and encouraged resilience in the face of the disaster.
He specifically advised school-going children to consider staying in dormitories to maintain educational continuity and focus during this challenging period.
The event was attended by Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong and District Police Chief DSP Jame Reis.
Officials acknowledged the coordinated response from the Tatau District Disaster Committee, emergency services, and medical teams who provided immediate assistance and health checks at the evacuation centre.