KARAK: Victims of the dreadful Kampung Baru Karak fire will have new homes next year, says Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
The former Bentong MP said that after much effort, the proposal to rebuild the 53 homes has received approval from state and federal agencies.
“Victims can expect to move in by this time next year. We are happy to help and see this come through,” said Liow who heads the Special Task Force on the Karak Fire Victims.
He reserved special words of gratitude for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for showing compassion and lending support to the reconstruction plan.
“The encouragement and support given by His Majesty is immeasurable,” the former Transport minister said during a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction project at the village here yesterday.
On the night of Oct 1 last year, 53 houses and eight shophouses went up in smoke in an incident that caused an outpouring of emotion across the country.
Many visited the razed site to offer help and comfort to the victims, with Liow playing a leading role as head of the task force.
The MCA set up a fire victims’ rebuilding committee to help the villagers and liaised with the district authorities and Pahang and Federal governments to help the victims reapply for their lost identification documents and land grants.
Locals had said it was the largest and most devastating fire in a small town that left over a hundred people homeless.
Ready to begin: Liow (fourth from left) attending the groundbreaking ceremony at Kampung Baru Karak yesterday. With him are Pahang MCA liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Hoh Khai Mun (third from left) and Chan (seventh from left) together with other task force representatives and residents. — ART CHEN/The Star
Liow said the reconstruction project was important as he regarded Kampung Baru Karak as the transportation hub of west Bentong.
He said he felt a need to assist the folk in Bentong, adding that he had lived there for over 30 years and that Bentong was a part of him.
On speculation that he will recontest the Bentong parliamentary seat, Liow said this was up to the MCA leadership to decide.
“Most importantly, we must ensure that Bentong folk unite,” he added.
Liow advised Bentong voters to choose their elected representative wisely to be better served over the next parliamentary term.
“Do not elect someone who runs away and never serves, just talks big with empty promises.
“We don’t need this type of person. We have seen no development here over the past few years.
“I’m sad that we ended up with a person who does not care about the development of Bentong,” Liow said in an apparent reference to DAP incumbent Bentong MP Wong Tack.
Task force adviser Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, who was also present, said cooperation from all sides and effective leadership ensured that the technical aspects of the project were completed within a short period.
“I have been an elected representative for five terms. I have never seen a reconstruction plan after a major fire completed in such a short time.
“This would not have been possible without the cooperation of the state government and Liow’s effective leadership,” he added.
Chan, also a former Transport minister, commended Liow for his grand efforts for the people.
“It is not often that we get a former MP who still cares for the constituents,” he added.
