BENTONG: An audit firm has been appointed to ensure all expenditure related to rebuilding the houses destroyed in a recent fire in Kampung Baru Karak is accounted for, says Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.

       The former Bentong MP, who heads a special task force on rebuilding the homes of Karak fire victims, said Crowe Malaysia PLT – a well-known audit firm that is ranked fifth globally – has been appointed to uphold transparency and ensure the money collected will only be used for the rebuilding process.

       On Oct 1, a fire destroyed 53 houses and eight shops, leaving over a hundred people homeless.

       It was the largest and most devastating fire in the small town’s history.

       Since the tragedy, donations have been pouring in from all over the country.

       Within 10 days, Liow and MCA veteran Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy successfully raised RM1.1mil.

       Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who visited the victims on Nov 5, witnessed the handing over of the RM1.1mil mock cheque to the Kampung Baru Karak Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).

       The King also witnessed the presentation of mock cheques by charitable companies and the public.

       Karak JKKK treasurer Chiew Chee Man said clearing works began on Tuesday.

       On Oct 3, another fire broke out at the nearby Kampung Sungai Karak, destroying three homes. Following the incident, Liow acted swiftly and reached out to the victims and set up a special task force to assist them.

       He said the task force’s scope included serving as a communications bridge between the victims and the local authorities, coordinating the reconstruction work, launching fundraising campaigns and liaising on all technical issues in various professional fields involved in the reconstruction.

       In addition, a dedicated group of professionals – ranging from architects and engineers to land surveyors and legal experts – have also come on board voluntarily to share their expertise at no charge.

       Liow said the task force, which includes all victims, would work closely to rebuild the affected area.