KUCHING: Sympathetic to the plight of victims of a recent longhouse fire, 14 members of the Padawan Adventure 4X4 Club drove all the way to Rh Lepang, Sg Sayat, Engkilili in Lubok Antu to hand over donations.
They loaded 12 vehicles with essential items such as food, blankets, cooking utensils, clothes, mattresses and water. Tagging along on this humanitarian effort were family members as well.
Club president Marcellinus Meran said the items were contributed by members, adding that it was part of the club’s charity programme.
On hand to receive the donations were Rh Lepang chief Lepang Gerang and several
longhouse elders.
He expressed his gratitude to the club, adding that he never expected to get help from people from far away.
On July 15, 167 residents were fortunate to escape with their lives when the 26-door longhouse caught fire.
The two-storey longhouse was almost completely destroyed.
Prior to this, Meran said the club had also sent donations to fire victims at Rh Uma Bawang, Sg Asap, Belaga; Rh Semawa, Pantu; Kg Benuk, Kg Jambu, Kg Muk Ayun, Padawan and Kg Koran, Serian, besides donating to club members whose family members are sick or had passed away.
“We will continue to do our part to help those in need,” he said.