KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) — When a fire razed their squatter houses at Batu 4, Jalan Klang Lama, two days ago, nine families were left with just the clothes on their back.

It was, as if their world had come to a standstill. But then, there is this saying that every cloud has its silver lining.

The Federal Territories Ministry and City Hall came to their rescue, offering the victims new homes at the Kampung Muhibbah People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Puchong.

Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Datuk Raja Zainal Abidin said the families could move into the PPR flats today, and that transport facilities to ferry their belongings would be provided.

“I hope our contribution will help lessen their burden and enable them to have more comfortable homes.

“They can live in the flats and we will provide transportation to help them move their belongings,” he said after handing over contributions of RM800 to each of the families and offer letters for the flats, at the Pusat Rukun Tetangga Batu 3 1/2 Jalan Klang Lama.

However, Raja Nong Chik said, non-Malaysian citizens were ineligible for the housing aid.

At the event, the victims also received clothes from the Social Welfare Department.

One of the fire victims, student Cheong Yoon Kit, 19, expressed gratitude for the aid.

Cheong, who will be sitting for the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examinations next month, said he lost all revision and reference books in the fire and that the contributions would help to buy new books.

“I am happy that many parties came forward to contribute clothes and money which will help me and my big family,” said the student who is now staying temporarily at a cousin’s house.

Housewife M. Theresa, 39, was also grateful to those who assisted and gave moral support to the fire victims.

“I could not salvage my belongings because half my house was already engulfed by the blaze.

“Nevertheless, we are lucky to be safe and the new houses are a blessing to help us all, start a new life,” she said.

The 7pm fire last Sunday left 40 residents of the squatter settlement homeless.

Source: MySinchew 2009.10.20