Send aid, donations for Kpg Hilir fire victims to MRC Sibu branch, says chairman

SIBU (Sept 24): The Nangka Service Centre has tasked the Malaysia Red Crescent (MRC) Sibu branch to be the official centre for collecting aid and assistance for Kampung Hilir fire victims.

MRC chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee said those who would like to make contributions to the fire victims can drop aid at its headquarters at Jalan Awang Ramli Amit here.

“Our collection centre operates from Sept 23-30 from 8.30am-4.30pm daily. We welcome the donations of any relief items such as clothes, food and so on,” he said.

Chua said MRC was pleased to be able to provide a place to collect aid, even in its limited capacity, and said all donations would be recorded and the donor recognised.

He added Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib had donated some essential items such as food, fans and gas stoves while Sibu MP Oscar Ling and Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng had also donated various items.

He said he was moved to see the spirit of unity among the community and added since the collection centre opened on Monday, more and more organisations and supermarkets had brought donations.

“This is the much-needed community support especially during times of disaster,” he said.

Chua also expressed his gratitude to the village Development and Security Committee who had sent volunteers to help with the collection operation.

“With this cooperation, we are confident we can help the victims of the fire restart their lives,” he said.

On Sept 22, a fire destroyed 17 houses in Kampung Hilir and left 165 occupants homeless. A total of 69 victims are now placed at the Temporary Transfer Centre at Surau Darul Ma’aw while others are staying temporarily with their relatives.