SIBU: A devastating fire ravaged Rh. Sebom Bantan, Nanga Masak, Ulu Katibas, Song last Wednesday evening, has prompted immediate relief efforts from local Lions Clubs.
The fire completely engulfed the 32-door longhouse, displacing 245 residents and resulting in significant losses. Tragically, a disabled elderly woman in her 90s died from smoke inhalation.
In response to the tragedy, various local Lions Clubs have united under the banner of Lions International District 308-A2 Region 2 and Region 3. Leading the charge is the Lions Club of Kapit, which has spearheaded disaster assistance for those affected.
A joint statement said that the 308-A2 District Foundation has generously donated RM2,000 to aid in the relief efforts.
Beyond this, the Lions Clubs have also been actively fundraising and supplying essential goods and food to help the victims.
Seated seventh from left, Bruce, Tie (sixth from left), Loh (fifth from right), Wong (third from right) and other Lion members during courtesy call at Bruce’s office.
The participating Lions Clubs include Lions Club of Kapit, Lions Club of Song, Lions Club of Sarikei, Lions Club of Bintangor, Lions Club of Sibu Host, Lions Club of Sibu Central, Lions Club of Sibu Pahlawan, Lions Club of Sibu Berjaya, Lions Club of Sibu City, Lions Club of Sibu Jaya, Lions Club of Sibu Sungai Merah, Lions Club of Sibu Bawang Assan, Lions Club of Sibu Nangka, Lions Club of Sibu Queensway, Lions Club of Sibu Lanang, Lions Club of Sibu Dudong, Lions Club of Sibu Rejang, and Lions Club of Sibu Loving Care.
Individuals also made donations, including Immediate Past District Governor Kapitan Connie Loh Ming Hua, District Chairperson for Alert Region 1-4 Dato Jimmy Tie, Zone 4 Chairperson Godfrey Ting, and Andrew Wong.
The donations were formally presented to Tuai Rumah Sebom’s wife witnessed by Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin, Past District Governor Datuk Betty Wong Yieng, President of Lions Club of Kapit, Past President of Lions Club of Song John Khoo, and President of Lions Club of Sibu Pahlawan Kong Tze Ling, among others.
