IPOH: A 64-year-old painter whose house in Kampung Tawas was destroyed in a freak storm last month, now has a converted container to call home.

       Perak MCA Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) chief Ricky Soong handed over the keys to the new dwelling to Lee Wah Chong on Tuesday (Feb 15).

       Soong said Lee's original wooden house was beyond repair and CRSM managed to find a Good Samaritan to sponsor the container for him.

       "It is quite costly to build a house for Lee, who lives alone.

       "The sponsor was kind enough to donate about RM20,000 to get the container and also build a kitchen and toilet for Lee," he told a press conference in Kampung Tawas.

       "Lee now has a place to live and no longer needs to stay with his friend following the incident," he said.

       Four residential areas – Kampung Tawas, Taman Tasek Damai, Taman Desa Seri Chepor and Kampung Seri Klebang Tambahan – were hit by a landspout on Jan 30.

       The storm sent roofs flying, uprooted trees and toppled several utility poles.

       Soong said only Lee's house was destroyed while 28 other houses were badly damaged by the storm.

       "There are still 16 houses to be repaired and most of the damage involved the roofs," he said.

       "We have been helping the residents here since the first day and will continue to do so," he added.

       Lee said he was thankful to MCA and CRSM for their assistance.

       "When my house was destroyed, I was at a loss as I did not know where or from whom to get help.

       "Soong and his team had been very helpful and they managed to get me a place to stay," he said, adding that he had been living at his former house for almost his entire life.