SUBANG JAYA: In contrast to the busy atmosphere at the temporary evacuation centre in the multipurpose hall of Masjid Putra Heights, the 109 evacuees from 27 families who have been placed at Dewan Camelia, the multipurpose hall run by Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) say they are having a more peaceful time.
“It’s quieter and more peaceful here because there are not so many evacuees, unlike Masjid Putra Heights, where I heard that 379 victims were being housed,” said Jasni Abd Manap, 46, whose house and three motorcycles were destroyed in the Putra Heights gas line explosion on Tuesday (April 1).
In addition to providing breathing space for the evacuees to recover from the trauma of loss, the calmer and less crowded atmosphere has also allowed Social Welfare Department counselors to carry out activities such as drawing and colouring with the evacuees’ children.
According to its counselor Mabel Tan, the drawing and colouring activities were meant to help children express and talk about their feelings.
“It’s part of the healing process after such a traumatic experience,” said Tan.
Dewan Camelia evacuees say there has been no lack of generous donors who send supplies in an almost never-ending stream throughout the day.
Everything from fast food, snacks, sweetened beverages, biscuits, and even mineral water dispensers has been made available to evacuees.
Dewan Camelia falls under the purview of MBSJ’s Property and Valuation Department. As many as 40 personnel have been stationed at the temporary evacuation centre to ensure the cleanliness of toilets and rubbish management.
