PAPAR: The Sabah state government will seek federal funding to rebuild the pharmacy store destroyed in a fire at Papar Hospital yesterday.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he had been informed of the incident that affected the hospital.
"We received a briefing, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Department. We also visited the hospital to assess the situation.
"I was informed that the damaged medicines alone cost over RM1.3 million, while the cost of rebuilding the pharmacy store building has yet to be determined.
"As the state government, we are very concerned and will find ways to assist, including requesting the federal government to rebuild the damaged building.
"We appreciate the Fire Department's efforts in ensuring everyone's safety. A new hospital is currently under construction, and hopefully, once it's completed, this facility will only be temporary. What's important is that everyone is safe," he said.
He said this to reporters after inspecting the burnt pharmacy store at Papar Hospital today.
Yesterday, the media reported that the fire at the hospital began around 7 pm, with 15 firefighters from the Papar and Kimanis Fire and Rescue Stations deployed to contain the blaze.
Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that staff from the Papar Parliament Office were instructed to provide food and drinks to patients, as the hospital's kitchen was also affected by the fire. This arrangement will continue until the hospital can provide meals through external suppliers.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad shared via Facebook that the patient evacuation process proceeded smoothly, including to nearby hospitals.
He added that further updates on the incident would be provided once investigations are complete and authorities have verified the findings.