PETALING JAYA: Items such as mattresses and pillows were handed out to flood victims in Bentong, Pahang on Thursday (Jan 13), says Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

       “Earlier this afternoon, 600 units of the items were handed to Kampung Batu Karak Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) representative Chiew Chee Man.

       “A total of 100 units were distributed to Bentong district officer Datuk Mohd Zulkifli Hashim on behalf of the Bentong City Council Disaster Operation Control Centre (PKOB) with another 100 distributed to Ustaz Roslan on behalf of Maahad Tahfiz Dar Al Abrar,” said the Transport Minister in a Facebook post.

       He added that these were part of the corporate social responsibility efforts by Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCC) to ease the plight of the flood victims.

       Dr Wee also visited the victims and among them was Kamariah Jaafar from Kampung Chekar Merdang.

       “Kamariah’s house was almost destroyed with the floodwaters exceeding the height of her ceiling.

       “Despite the water having subsided, mud stains are still visible on her ceiling,” said Dr Wee.

       He added that action will be taken to assist in repairing Kamariah’s house.

       Dr Wee also visited the home of Abdul Rahaman Jaafar which housed 16 individuals from four families.

       “Rahaman’s home is located next to the river which saw it being badly damaged by the floods.

       “All his furniture and electrical appliances were swept away and his roof was also destroyed,” said Dr Wee.

       Dr Wee added that the Regent of Pahang had also visited the home and ordered for Rahaman’s family to be given four houses.

       Dr Wee then visited another victim, Haryanti Mohammed, who lives with her eight children. He also visited her mother’s house next door.

       “Both their homes were submerged till the roof as they lived next to the Bentong and Benus rivers.

       “Haryanti’s cafe was also destroyed in the floods,” he said.

       Dr Wee said that Haryanti’s mother was currently living at her sister’s home in Kampung Gemeti while Haryanti and her children were still living in their home.

       “Upon climbing their stairs, I could feel the instability in their home.

       “I have been informed that the state government will prepare a temporary home for them at the government quarters, and their new house will be ready in six months time,” he said.

       Dr Wee added that he sympathised with Haryanti’s ordeal and wished her and her family the strength to endure in these difficult times.