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Daily Express
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
Fire victim gets new home through community aid
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Afnah (second from right) and Harun with other supporters in front of the new home at Kampung Taka. PITAS: Afnah Tundan, 51, who lost her home in a fire last year at Kampung Taka, here, has received relief through the construction of a new house. The new house, built on land adjacent to her original home, was made possible through assistance from the Sabah State Welfare Foundation (YKNS) and several compassionate individuals. Advertisement Joy radiated from the mother of three when she received the keys to her new home from Datuk Harun Ismail, Deputy Chief of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Pitas division. Afnah, who also lost her beloved husband, a daughter, and an uncle in the tragedy, described the aid as a great blessing from Allah SWT. 'I was unable to build a new house because I am unemployed and relied on my two working daughters to support me and my youngest child who is still in school,' she said. 'After the tragedy, I had to stay with family, but now Allah SWT has answered my prayers through kind-hearted people who made this new house a reality. 'I am very grateful to all involved, especially Datuk Harun Ismail for his initiative in providing this help,' she added during the key handover ceremony at Kampung Taka. (31 May) In early August last year, the tragedy struck when the headmaster of SK Senaja, his 12-year-old daughter, and another family member died in a fire that destroyed their home in Kampung Taka. Meanwhile, Datuk Harun, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of the Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation (Sogdc), revealed that approximately RM61,000 was spent to build the 500-square-foot house. He said YKNS contributed RM30,000 toward the project, while the remainder was funded by generous individuals as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). 'The new home features two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and basic amenities including water and electricity supply, complete with lights and fans. Construction began in March and has now been fully completed for Afnah and her children to move in, offering them renewed hope,' he said. In other developments, Harun, who is also President of the Sabah Dusun Islam Association (PDIS), announced plans to build a transit hostel at SK Bawing, Pitas, in the near future. He said the new facility would replace the existing dilapidated transit house in the remote area, which is no longer safe for students to reside in. 'We are currently finalizing the design process and expect to start the RM100,000 project within two weeks, God willing. The transit hostel will include separate dormitories for boys and girls, equipped with bunk beds, toilets, and bathrooms to ensure the students' comfort,' he explained. 'PDIS has previously built a similar facility that is still operational at Kampung Mendurian. We also cover the food and living expenses of the children while they stay at the transit hostels,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Unity, harmony in Sabah a model of Madani society
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Hajiji said this uniqueness reflects the beautiful togetherness in the State, demonstrated through the harmonious celebration of festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Chinese New Year and others. PITAS: The unity and harmony among Sabah's multi-ethnic communities serve as a model of a Madani (civil) society, living peacefully together despite differences in religion and culture. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this uniqueness reflects the beautiful togetherness in the State, demonstrated through the harmonious celebration of festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Chinese New Year and others. 'I would like to call upon the people of Sabah to stand with the Government leadership to safeguard and further nurture this unity and harmony for the sake of our beloved Sabah. 'This is crucial as racial harmony is the key to wellbeing and happiness, and it also serves as a driving force for the State development,' he said when officiating the Sabah Islamic Dusun Organisation's (PDIS) Aidilfitri open house, here. His speech was read by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif. PDIS President Datuk Harun Ismail, Pitas Assemblyman Datuk Ruddy Awah and Bengkoka Assemblyman Datuk Harun Durabi were also present. Hajiji said under his leadership, the State Government introduced and implemented the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan 1.0 for 2021–2025 shortly after taking office. He said the plan aims to drive Sabah's development and economic growth, and these efforts have started to bear fruits through various initiatives involving the economy and people's wellbeing. He added that the initiatives also include educational assistance for children from B40 families pursuing studies at higher education institutions, such as the Registration Cash Aid (Budi). 'Also, the Special Examination Cash Aid (Bakti), flight ticket assistance for students and the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative for underprivileged across all 73 State constituencies. 'Most recently, the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (Syukur) programme launched by the State Government this year is another step forward. I therefore urge all rakyat to join in supporting the mission of the Hala Tuju SMJ Development Plan. 'The Hala Tuju SMJ Development Plan aims to drive comprehensive development anchored on strong character and a robust patriotic spirit, in line with the State's motto 'Sabah Maju Jaya',' he stressed. Harun said the attendance of more than 2,000 visitors at the event reflects the enduring harmony of the people of Sabah, a result of the stability established by the Government. 'This event marks the third edition of the PDIS Open House, aimed at facilitating the delivery of welfare and social services provided by the Government,' he said. Earlier, a range of activities was held during the event, including a lucky draw, performances by local artists such as Bella Astillah and the launch of local film 'Duyung Supirak'. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
