King: Prioritise those who need homes
KUANTAN: All parties must help Sungai Lembing fire victims rebuild their houses, said Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Sultan Abdullah said he was told that most victims were temporarily staying with relatives, while some families had nowhere to go.
“Priority must be given to those in need of housing. I was told that the buildings here are old and decrepit.
“This could be dangerous and I want this matter to be given due attention as this could lead to another fatal incident.
“I hope residents can get ready (to move) and discuss with the authorities to find an alternative location because this place looks dangerous.”
The king yesterday visited and presented aid to 29 families affected by the fire at SJK(C) Sungai Lembing here.
Present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak.
Sultan Abdullah said he would personally monitor the redevelopment of the area.
In the 1.30am blaze on Aug 31, 20 two-storey wooden shophouses, 11 single-storey houses and a library were razed to the ground.
An elderly couple, Ho Yuk Fun, 74, and Chow Kim Mui, 70, died after being trapped in their twostorey wooden shophouse, which was where the fire was believed to have begun.
“I am saddened by the loss of two senior citizens in this incident,” the king said.