Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assures only verified Malaysian citizens will receive replacement documents after the Sandakan fire, using NRD data to prevent misuse
SANDAKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that the replacement of personal documents for victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire will be conducted with full transparency.
He stated the process will be strictly limited to verified Malaysian citizens to prevent any potential misuse.
Anwar emphasised that the National Registration Department maintains a comprehensive database to verify each applicant’s citizenship status.
“There have been concerns that non-citizens might attempt to take advantage, but this will not happen as we have detailed records,” he said after visiting victims at the temporary relief centre in Taman Batu Sapi.
The fire on Sunday destroyed approximately 1,000 homes in the water village. Many victims lost essential personal documents in the disaster.
The Prime Minister said the government would expedite the replacement of key documents like MyKad, MyKid, and birth certificates.
He confirmed the matter had been discussed with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to mobilise the NRD for swift assistance.
Regarding redevelopment, Anwar said medium- and long-term plans for the area would be coordinated at state and district levels.
He noted implementation must be swift yet carefully planned, aligning with the state’s development strategy.
Anwar added that interim assistance for the victims would continue to be expedited. He was accompanied during the visit by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and several federal ministers.
