The fire victims thanking the state government and Dr Annuar for assisting them.
SIBU: Some of the Kampung Datu/Hilir fire victims complained yesterday that certain people were capitalising on their hardships for political and personal gains.
Their spokesman, Ibrahim Laili, said a group calling themselves the ‘Voice of Kampung Datu/Hilir Movement’ had claimed that the fire victims were unhappy with the way their plight was handled.
Ramli Ibrahim, the public relations officer of the movement, was reported to have claimed that two years after the fire, the problems besieging the fire victims have yet to be fully resolved by the assemblyman of the area.
The visibly upset Ibrahim responded: “We were shell shocked to find out that certain irresponsible quarters had capitalised on our hardships to kick up unfounded issues.
“I am also one of the fire victims and what had been claimed in the newspaper was totally baseless and unfounded. There is no truth what so ever in it.
“In fact, we, the fire victims, wish to state here that we are very thankful to the state government, especially for the housing project at Kampung Datu Baru, where a high subsidy was provided to us.
“On top of that, the environment there is most conducive. I can still recall that the government had been finding means and ways to assist us immediately after the fire.
“Our elected people’s representative, Dr Annuar Rapaee, had been going all out to ensure our welfare was taken care of. We are very thankful to him as fire victims were provided free temporary housing at Sibu Jaya and Rantau Panjang,” he said.
Ibrahim disclosed that Dr Annuar had always kept the fire victims in the loop by constantly communicating and holding meetings with them to give updates on the government’s development plan.
He clarified that fire victims had never appointed any group what more to say those not affected by the fire, as their spokesperson.
“We are very angry and upset over the irresponsible action of these individuals as this could paint a negative picture to those outside Sibu,” he pointed out.
With the housing offered by the government and land lots given to the families, he said their problems had been resolved.
Meanwhile, the secretary of ‘Voice of Kampung Datu/Hilir Movement’, Roslan Mohd Alwi, claimed of ‘mass defection’ by PBB members here, which Ibrahim, who is head of PBB Kampung Datu sub-branch, described as an unfounded allegation.
“As far as I am concerned, this is a total lie,” said Ibrahim.
The fire victims met up with Ibrahim on Monday to convey their unhappiness when their names were used without their consent for political and personal gain by the irresponsible quarter.
They were Ali Fiji Deli, Matasan Suguk, Hasbi Ahmad, Nora Bujang, Ayang Mayah, Fatimah Mohd Amin, Rafiah Mohd Amin, Suraya Daud and Mediah Dee.
When contacted, Dr Annuar advised the fire victims to grab the opportunity given by the Housing Ministry and state government.
He said this was because they would not be able find such an offer anywhere in town.
“There are two types of houses – type A and B which are actually nearly about two-thirds being subsidised of the market price.
“The market price for type A house is RM270,000 but the victims can buy them at RM100,000. As for type B, the market price is RM267,000 and offered to them at RM93,000.
“This is heavily subsidised by the government as the land itself sits on a prime area costing over RM100,000.
“For the 144 extended families of the fire victims, they will be given a lot in Kemuyang area for them to build their house.
“This is a huge contribution to the fire victims who lost their homes to the fire in 2013,” he said.
Dr Annuar thanked the government for coming to the aid of the fire victims.
“I consider the issue closed as fire victims can look forward to a fresh start with the new housing expected to be ready between eight and 12 months,” he said.