GERAKAN will seek the assistance of the relevant ministries to help families on Lorong Perak in Jelutong, Penang, who lost their wooden houses in a fire on Sept 10.
State party chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said five houses were razed in the incident.
“The families need at least RM50,000 each to rebuild their houses.
“We will write to the ministries for assistance. I hope the assemblyman of the area (Batu Lanchang) and the state government will lend a hand,” he told reporters after presenting hampers and rice to the victims yesterday.
State Gerakan treasurer Ng Fook Onn, who was also present, said 31 people were left homeless in the blaze.
“We will try our best to secure funding for them and raise the necessary money for them to rebuild their homes,” said Ng, who is also Jelutong Gerakan division chairman.
Fire victims Phuah Sin Boon and Hong Kok Lak said the houses were built more than 90 years ago.
Phuah, a 52-year-old maintenance technician, said all the victims were born in the village.
“Our grandparents and parents lived here when the area was then a rambutan orchard and there was no electricity.
“We are now all staying with our relatives and friends. We hope the houses can be rebuilt in time for Chinese New Year,” he said.
Hong, 60, a salesman, said the families were not asking for much.
“We just want a roof over our heads and hope we can raise enough funds for that,” he said.
source: TheStar on-line
