BENTONG: A holistic and comprehensive future study on the safety aspects of Kampung Baru Karak and its adjacent areas should be done, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

       This comes after a fire destroyed more than 50 houses and eight shops – the largest and most devastating fire in the small town – that left over a hundred people homeless.

       The King said the necessary study can be conducted once work to help the victims rebuild their homes is completed.

       “If possible, I would like to make a call to consider a holistic and comprehensive study for the safety aspect of the entire area here to be reviewed... so that this place can be developed and maintained as best as it can.

       “This is especially with the current safety considerations like the proximity between these houses, electrical wiring, water supply piping and fire hydrants.

       “We cannot just rely on the infrastructure available now. We need to study them for the future safety of the area. I hope the relevant administration, parties and non-profit groups can come forward with more ideas on this,” he said after visiting the Chinese new village yesterday.

       Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah were at the new village yesterday to visit the scene of the fire and to meet with the victims at the village’s multipurpose hall.

       Bentong district officer Datuk Mohd Zulkifli Hashim also briefed the royal couple on the incident.

       Also present were Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who heads a Special Task Force for the Welfare of the Karak Fire Victims, and MCA veterans Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek and Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, who were both instrumental in getting the necessary resources to help the victims.

       In his briefing, Liow said the task force had developed a comprehensive plan to rebuild the village.

       However, since it will be a brownfield project, where existing work and structures were already in place, he said some requirements under the by-laws cannot be met due to limited land.

       “For example, for normal housing, the minimum built up area is 1,000 sq ft or 20’ x 50’. But in the new village, we don’t have so much land.

       “That’s why I have suggested that the state government and agencies exempt some conditions for the project so that the rebuilding plan can go on smoothly.

       “The rebuilding of the houses is an important stage, and we need cooperation from all agencies to make it happen,” he said.

       Despite the exemptions, Liow stressed the plan does not compromise on the safety of the houses and the comfort of residents, as the houses now come in two designs – three-room (20’x37’) and two-room (16’x30’) plans – based on the original size of the victims’ houses.

       He said the construction of the 48 homes is expected to be carried out by early next year. Currently, the victims are staying with their relatives.

       Sultan Abdullah said he acknowledged Liow’s concerns and believed the Pahang state government would consider some leeway and allow the rebuilding works to go on.

       “We all know the history of this place and how each inch of the land is important to the victims and their families,” he said, adding that Liow’s concerns should be considered so that the Fire and Rescue Department can continue to safeguard this place in the future.

       The King also said that he would like to be re-invited to the new village when the homes are constructed.

       On Oct 1, 53 houses and eight shops were razed in a fire at Kampung Baru Karak.

       Two days later, another fire broke out at the nearby Kampung Sungai Karak, destroying three more homes.

       Liow, a former Bentong MP, acted swiftly and reached out to the victims with MCA veterans Lim and Chan, and set up a special task force to assist the victims.

       He said the task force’s scope included serving as a communication 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.

       Then, a dedicated group consisting of professionals, from architects and engineers to land surveyors and legal experts, also came on board voluntarily to share their expertise to the victims at no charge.

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