IPOH: After his wooden house and home of more than 60 years in Kampung Tawas was destroyed during a freak storm last month, Lee Wah Chong was at a loss.

       The 64-year-old painter said he did not know who or where to turn to for help and ended up staying with a friend who lived nearby during the Chinese New Year season.He said Perak MCA Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) chief Ricky Soong and his team managed to get him a container as his new home.

       “I am thankful to Soong and his team for their help.

       “I feel relieved now that I have a roof over my head,” he said after receiving the keys to the container from Soong yesterday.

       Soong also gave him some foodstuff.

       Besides Kampung Tawas, three other residential areas – Taman Tasek Damai, Taman Desa Seri Chepor and Kampung Seri Klebang Tambahan – were hit by a landspout on Jan 30 that damaged more than 200 homes.

       The storm sent roofs flying and uprooted trees and several utility poles.Recalling the incident, Lee said he was fortunate to be outside his wooden house as he watched the wind blow violently.

       “My neighbours’ roofs were being blown off and next thing I knew, the tree outside my house started to tilt and then fell on my home. My mind just went blank,” he added.

       Soong said a good Samaritan had sponsored about RM20,000 to get the container and to also build Lee a kitchen and toilet.

       He said only Lee’s house was destroyed while 28 other houses were badly damaged and 400 homes had minor damage.

       “There are still 16 houses to be fixed and most of the damage involves the roof.

       “We have been assisting the residents here since the first day and will continue to do so,” he added.

       Ipoh Barat MCA Kampung Tawas Crisis Relief coordinator Lim Huey Shan said they managed to get some allocation from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.

       Ipoh City Councillor Albert Ho, who was also present, said he had contacted the council to remove the fallen tree.