Zahid: Govt will rebuild all homes lost in Bagan Pasir Laut blaze
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had instructed various federal and state agencies to fast-track the reconstruction of the affected homes, despite several challenges.
The rural and regional development minister said a joint committee had been formed between his ministry and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister's Department for this purpose.
"Both the federal and state governments will find ways to address the issues faced by the victims, and we will resolve them by rebuilding the homes.
"I have already discussed this with the ministry's secretary-general and the state ICU director, and they have set up a joint committee to expedite the process. I've requested that land leveling works be completed within a month.
"I've also requested that funding be allocated for the standard construction of these homes, based on the land size indicated in the land grants or Temporary Occupation License (TOL) approval letters," he said.
Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk member of parliament, was speaking to reporters after presenting welfare aid to the fire victims at the settlement today.
Each affected family received RM10,000 in aid, comprising RM3,000 from the ICU and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), RM3,000 as Zahid's personal contribution, and RM4,000 from Tantrayana Buddhist Federation Chen Foh Chong Malaysia.
Zahid said the Bagan Pasir Laut village, located within the Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituency, was established about 140 years ago.
The land in the area is TOL land, and there are a total of 149 houses in the area.
"The available allocation is approximately RM86,000 for each house. But I believe that with the donations collected, families may want to add extensions or make improvements, and we will leave that up to each family.
"The ministry, Nadma, state government, Perak Land and Mines Office, Welfare Department, and other agencies have coordinated efforts to ensure that TOL ownership rights are handed over to the head of each affected family, house, and shop.
"As for the temple, an individual who is a friend of mine has promised to provide assistance for its reconstruction. I've already delivered part of that donation today," he said.
On Saturday, an early morning fire destroyed 21 houses, a restaurant, and a temple in Bagan Pasir Laut.
Firefighting efforts were hampered by low water pressure from fire hydrants and the risk of electrical arcing from still-active power cables.
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