KUCHING: The victims of a recent fire incident at Jalan Pearl Park, Mile 3 here have received financial assistance as well as much needed clothes to alleviate their burden.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, through his rural transformation project (RTP) fund, has presented RM200 each to the five affected families.
In addition, the affected families have received clothes from Yayasan Kemajuan Insan Sarawak (YAKIN).
During the care gifts handover ceremony held at Sunny Hill Secondary School today, Lo said that he was touched by all who had contributed to help the fire victims.
“There are six families consisting of about 12 to 15 members who are affected by the blaze. And two of the survivors are teachers from Sunny Hill School.
“So, today, from my RTP, I contribute RM200 to each of the families. It is a small contribution, but I think it is the spirit that counts.
“My small contribution sparks even a bigger contribution. Some have collected thousands of ringgit meant for the victims,” he said.
Therefore, he said was very touched because everybody regardless of their background had come forward to help.
“The sense of volunteerism in the community spirit is very strong. And as a community leader myself, I would like to encourage our community to continue doing volunteer work,” he said.
When asked where the affected families are currently staying, he said some are temporarily staying at a church at Jalan Stapok, while some are staying at their relatives’ houses before they find a new place to rent.
“They (fire survivors) are from other parts of the states and thus they are renting a place here, so we hope they are able to find a new place and they will get there with the help of the community,” said Lo.
Meanwhile, one of the fire survivors, 31-year-old Rosilla Chela said she felt devastated after what had happened.
The teacher of Iban ethnic and from Bintulu, has been teaching mathematics at Sunny Hill Secondary School for five years.
She is thankful that there are no casualties, but is sad that her valuable items are all gone.
“My most valuable items are my certificates, jewellery and others. For instance, money can’t buy back my certificates,” she said, while trying to hold back her tears.
She added that after the fire incidents, the families had received a lot of donations in terms of food, money and clothes from kind donors.
“But now we have to find a new place to stay, and we hope the community or elected representative can help us to find a new place to stay,” she said.
Also present was Sunny Hill Secondary School principal Marilyn Cheng.
On the fire incident, it was reported that on July 3, firemen from the Batu Lintang station were deployed to the fire scene at Jalan Pearl Park, Mile 3 after an emergency call was received around 8.30am, and fire was fully extinguished at 11.05am.
The Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) said that the house, measuring 149 square metres, was completely razed.
