Lightning drives couple from their home

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SIBU: An elderly couple from Rumah Tilip, Sungai Senaning, Kanowit/Julau/Durin Road may soon have no roof over their heads.

NATURAL CAUSE: The roof and wall of Lambong’s house were damaged by lightning.

The reason is the return of the owner of the dilapidated hut they have been sheltering in for the past four months, after their house was damaged in a thunderstorm.

thesundaypost recently met Lambong Bang, 88, and his wife Enday Nulai, in her seventies.

“We appeal for the assistance of the authority concerned, especially the wakil rakyat, to help us build a new house. I am already old and unable to build a new house,” Lambong said.

The roof and wall of the couple’s house were badly damaged after it was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm on Oct 21 last year.

Many items in the house, including electric appliances, were damaged and porcelain bowls and plates broken.

According to the customs and beliefs of the Ibans, a house struck by lightning is unsuitable for living as it would bring bad luck to the occupants.

Lambong had been living in the house for about a decade together with his wife and a grand child.

Their four children are staying elsewhere with their own families to support.

According to Lambong he has sought aid from the authority concerned to rebuild his house, but his application faces a hitch as the land has no title.

“This problem burdens us and I yearn earnestly for the authority concerned to be compassionate and come forward to help us,” he said sadly.

The poor padi planter has been receiving a monthly aid of RM300 from the Welfare Department.

Dudong assemblyman Dr Soon Choon Teck and Lanang MP Datuk Tiong Thai King have contributed RM500 and RM200 respectively to the family.

Lambong had been living in the house for about a decade together with his wife and a grand child.
Their four children are staying elsewhere with their own families to support.
According to Lambong he has sought aid from the authority concerned to rebuild his house, but his application faces a hitch as the land has no title.
“This problem burdens us and I yearn earnestly for the authority concerned to be compassionate and come forward to help us,” he said sadly.
The poor padi planter has been receiving a monthly aid of RM300 from the Welfare Department.
Dudong assemblyman Dr Soon Choon Teck and Lanang MP Datuk Tiong Thai King have contributed RM500 and RM200 respectively to the family.