Ugak, Liwan, Chukpai visit Uma Bawang fire victims to present immediate aid
BELAGA: Hulu Rajang member of Parliament Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon went to the ground to meet the fire victims of Uma Bawang, Sg Asap yesterday.
During the visit, Ugak presented RM20,000 in immediate aid to 96 families from the 44 units of two blocks of the longhouse which were destroyed in a fire recently.
On the other hand, Chukpai and Liwan donated RM44,000 and RM15,000 respectively to the fire victims.
Ugak urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to give top priority to the setting up of Category E fire station in Sungai Asap.
“The fire station is very important for the people here as it could at least minimise the total loss of properties and even life in a fire incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, two political secretaries to the chief minister Kenil Jaraie and Victor Temenggong were among those who came down and provided assistance in cash and food to the fire victims.
Kenil said although it was just a small donation from them, it had given them a sense of relief knowing that they had contributed something to help the affected families.
Maren Uma Ellision Durain, while talking to the two political secretaries, said based on their Kayan belief, they will build a new longhouse next to the existing site as it is forbidden to rebuild the longhouse at the same location.
Earlier, Bintulu 4x4 Club members led by vice-president Mancha Seliman also donated some essential goods to the families.
According to Mancha, this was part of their community service to the needy and they had been distributing goods to needy families throughout Sarawak.
“Last year, we went to Batu Keling and now we are here with help from one of our club members from Uma Badeng, Long Urun Belaga who is the club chairman for Belaga, Kenneth Seling.
“About 15 vehicles are joining this trip. The drivers also bring along their wives and children to help distribute the goods,” said Mancha.
Expressing sympathy to the fire victims, Bintulu 4x4 Club treasurer Allen Ting Tiew Liong said they decided to come in big groups not only to transport the goods but also to give moral support.
For the record, Murum Sports Club and Murum staff donated RM4,000 and RM1,125 respectively to the fire victims.