THREE non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have stepped in to assist villagers of Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa in Masai, Johor, whose homes were destroyed in a fire on Feb 12.
The aid, which included financial assistance and basic necessities, was handed over to affected families as they continued efforts to rebuild their lives.
Village representative Awie Mee, 43, said residents have been working together to rebuild their homes following the devastating blaze.
“About 30 houses were completely destroyed.
“This village has existed for more than 60 years and this is the worst disaster we have ever faced,” he said.
“Although Johor government has temporarily relocated villagers to the People’s Housing Projects (PPR) flats in Taman Cendana, the location is not suitable for the Orang Seletar community.
“We need to live near the sea as it is our main source of livelihood,” Awie stressed.
He said the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) had recently informed villagers that the government planned to build new houses at a site not far from their original settlement.
In the meantime, he said residents had already begun rebuilding their houses using salvaged materials and public donations.
“We want to rebuild our homes as soon as possible and we hope that the authorities will restore water supply to our village,” he said.
“The main water pipe was damaged during the fire, causing a disruption to the water supply.
“As a result, villagers have had to purchase more than 60 cartons of mineral water.”
Awie said this solution was not sustainable, especially now that their children had returned to school and regular water supply would be needed for everyday routines.
He also expressed gratitude to various parties, including government agencies and NGOs, for their assistance.
Suria Welfare Foundation Johor Baru founder and chairman James Ho said the group collaborated with the Johor Women’s League and Ihsan Johor to provide aid to the affected families.
“We provided each of the 41 affected families with RM300 cash, as well as basic necessities such as sugar, biscuits and other items to help them rebuild their lives,” he said.
“The three organisations managed to raise more than RM12,000 in public donations, which were channelled directly to the villagers,” he added.
Ho said food aid was also provided when the villagers were temporarily placed at a relief centre in Taman Megah Ria.
He said the NGOs were now aiming to raise an additional RM30,000 to help the villagers purchase boats, engines and fishing equipment, as most of them depended on fishing for their livelihoods.
The 73-year-old, who has been involved in volunteer work for the past 40 years, said the joy of seeing the smiles of those he helped has kept him going.
“We hope that the assistance we provide will help the Orang Asli community get back on their feet again,” said Ho.
