Foreign Ministry: 13 Indonesians Affected by Sabah Fire in Safe Condition

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) has stated that 13 Indonesian citizens (WNI) affected by the major fire in the floating settlement area in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan, Malaysia, are in safe condition. “The Indonesian citizens are reported to be in safe condition and are being accommodated together with other affected victims at six temporary shelter points (PPS) spread across the Batu Sapi area in Sandakan,” according to a written statement from the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) of the Republic of Indonesia’s Kemlu in Jakarta on Tuesday. The Kemlu conveyed that the initial data on the 13 Indonesian citizens was obtained from field assessments and data collection carried out by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kota Kinabalu together with local authorities and involving community leaders. The KJRI in Kota Kinabalu will continue to coordinate with local authorities to conduct further data collection and ensure the necessary protection measures for the affected Indonesian citizens. The Republic of Indonesia’s Kemlu, through the KJRI in Kota Kinabalu and the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens, continues to monitor developments in the handling of the fire incident in the area. The Bernama News Agency reported that more than 9,000 residents were affected by the major fire in the floating settlement area in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, in the early hours of 19 April local time. The Head of the Sandakan District Police, ACP George Abd Rakman, said that 1,000 out of 1,200 houses in the area were destroyed by the fire. He stated that his side had not yet received reports of fatalities in the incident. “What occurred is likely injuries while saving possessions or helping other friends,” he said. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his concern over the fire incident and requested that the safety of the victims and the immediate distribution of aid be prioritised at the scene.