THE blackened ruins from the devastating fire that tore through Kampung Din Manbo in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, have mostly been cleared.
However, for the affected families, the harder part is just beginning – rebuilding their homes, replacing lost belongings and trying to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.
Since the March 27 morning blaze, many victims have been staying with relatives or in temporary accommodation as they slowly figure out how to get back on their feet.
Everyday items once taken for granted such as groceries and toiletries have become among their most pressing needs.
Recognising the victims’ situation, nearby resorts Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands, presented a timely contribution of daily essentials.
Rice, biscuits, instant noodles, canned food, coffee, chocolate drinks, dates, soap, shampoo, conditioner, even skin lotion, were bundled into relief packages and presented to the families.
Masliha Yon, 45, said the items received were needed daily.
“With everything that has happened, we do not have the time nor energy to go out and buy them ourselves.
“We’re touched by this thoughtful gesture,” said Maslina, who was a former housekeeper at the hotel but is now a People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) officer.
Currently staying with relatives nearby, she intended to rebuild her home at the village.
She said she has lived there her whole life and could not imagine going anywhere else.
“It will take time and money so every bit of support helps us a great deal,” she added during the handover ceremony.
Another victim, trishaw rider Mazaki Abdul Rahim, 52, also intended to rebuild his life at Kampung Din Manbo.
The fire destroyed everything, from their savings to family photographs.
He and his wife were still asleep when the flames swept through the village’s tightly packed wooden structures that morning.
Although firefighters arrived in less than 10 minutes, 11 homes were destroyed.
“I’ve lived there my whole life. And my dad, has lived here for over 70 years. We will try to rebuild our house as much as finances will allow.
“It will not be the same but at least we’ll have shelter,” said Mazaki, adding that his family was currently staying at a budget hotel run by a friend.
Mazaki also thanked the offices of Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Tanjong Bunga assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari for the financial aid in the aftermath of the incident.
“The hotel staff are also heroes to many of us. They’re always quick to render assistance to nearby communities during tough times, such as floods previously.
“When this fire happened, they were immediately on the scene to help us with salvage and clean-up efforts.”
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and Shangri-La Golden Sands general manager Jegan Selvarajan said the staff stood in solidarity with the community and remained committed to helping those in need whenever they could.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the nine families who had to endure significant loss and hardship.
“We understand that rebuilding after such an incident is never easy and hope this small contribution of essentials will provide some immediate relief,” he added.
