Nearly three years after a devastating fire destroyed Kampung Kurnia Jaya, the RM10 million pledged for reconstruction has yet to be spent.

This has left displaced residents frustrated and in limbo.

Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) President Joseph Pang confirmed the allocation is still being held, citing the need for additional funding to ensure the reconstruction meets proper standards.

“Our priority is to ensure the reconstruction is done in an organized and systematic manner, including proper electricity and water supply,” Pang said in a statement sighted by BorneoVox on Saturday night. 

The council, he added, is awaiting funds from the federal government. 

The local elected representative, Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has submitted a formal request to the Prime Minister’s Office to expedite the release of the additional allocations, he said.

The fire on March 17, 2022, destroyed over 700 houses and displaced more than 1,000 individuals.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced a RM10 million special allocation to help residents rebuild their homes and ease their burden on April 6, the same year.

But nearly three years later, progress remains elusive.

Retiree Kenneth Tahir, whose home was among those destroyed, said he was forced to borrow RM5,000 from a moneylender to construct a temporary shelter after waiting in vain for assistance.

“It’s been years, and we’re still in makeshift homes,” he said.

Housewife Dahlia Hamsail echoed his frustration.

“We received some cash aid after the fire, but nothing to rebuild our homes. Why is this taking so long? The funds were meant to help us,” she said.

Pang explained that the land in Kampung Kurnia Jaya is state-owned and has been handed over to the council.

According to him, the council has allowed the site to serve as a temporary settlement as an act of goodwill, following advice from Nizam. – January 25, 2025.