LAHAD DATU: It has been almost a month now since Pakdat Jol started putting up at the Embara Budi evacuation centre, sharing cramped quarters with hundreds others. He pines for his comfortable bed that he shares with no one.
Dressed in a red shirt and white pants, he was seen adorned with large pearl necklace and a colourful bracelet.
“I got this from Semporna (a town located near Tawau),” he said showing off his pearls, adding that his trip there was just two weeks before the armed group from Sulu were spotted in his village at Kampung Lok Sembuang, nearby Kampung Tanjung Batu, which, to date, has yet to be declared ‘clean’.
Pakdat lived there with his eight brothers and their families.
“I am still single,” said the amiable 57-year-old, who declared that although they do not come from a well-to-do family, they were nevertheless happy with their lot.
In fact, they had just bought a few new electrical goods since electricity supply was now available in their area.
“We had the chance to enjoy electricity supply for a week before the armed men came in, forcing us to flee our houses.
“I had just bought my TV (television), refrigerator and radio, but all these were left at home when we hastily fled the area and brought nothing except the clothes we had on at the time.
“For a few days, I had to wear the same shirt and pants. Thankfully, some second hand clothing were donated, so now I have more change of clothes,” he said happily.
Pakdat says he does not know the fate of his house because, as he puts it: “We heard from some people that several houses had been destroyed in the bomb blast. I hope it was not mine because I would really like to return home and enjoy my brand new electrical goods.”
Sharing the same sentiment is Salamah Abdul Hak, who was frustrated at having to leave home and her two-day-old television set.
“My son bought us the new TV after the old one broke down….and I only had the chance to enjoy for two days,” said the 70-year-old from Kampung Tanjung Labian.
She said, in the past, they depended on a generator for electricity supply.
“So we had only limited time to enjoy our electrical items. I was looking forward for day-long power supply, but I guess it has to wait until the security forces has cleared our village of the armed men,” she said.
Salamah said, her family fled after being notified by the security forces. She did not get to bring anything, except for the clothes she had on and her identity card which she kept deep inside her handbag.
“We panicked. And I think I left the front door open….I hope everything is still there when we go home,” she said.