RM30,000 collected for Kampung Tawas storm victims

Tan (right) with JCI members (from left) past president Jerome Fong and vice-president Randolph Tan presenting a mock cheque to Kampung Tawas Storm Relief Task Force vice-chairman Looe Lian Hoe and Goh (second from right) at the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretariat in Ipoh. Looking on is Ipoh city councillor Albert Ho (black mask).

SOME RM30,000 was raised by the Kinta Junior Chamber International (JCI) for victims of a freak storm in Kampung Tawas, Ipoh.

JCI secretary Tan Teck Yin, when contacted, said the money was raised during a donation drive held earlier this month following the incident.

He said JCI had learned about the plight of the Kampung Tawas folk when delivering building materials for repair works on the eve of Chinese New Year.

“We had sent two lorry loads of plastic and zinc roof sheets and other building materials from Selangor to help the villagers whose homes were damaged.

“It was then that we learned that the villagers were also facing financial difficulties to repair their homes, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“After a discussion, we decided to hold a fundraiser to help the villagers,” he added.

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

The storm had sent zinc roofs flying and uprooted trees and utility poles.

Tan said the group’s initial target had been only RM15,000 and it was happy to be able to collect twice the amount.

“To do so over 13 days was just amazing. We are thankful to donors for their generous contributions.”

The money was handed over to Kampung Tawas Storm Relief Task Force chairman Datuk Goh Kok Fong at the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretariat. — By IVAN LOH