143 FIRE VICTIMS FROM ORANG ASLI VILLAGE TO BE RELOCATED TO PPR IN PASIR GUDANG

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 143 victims from 40 families affected by a fire at Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa here, will be temporarily relocated to the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) at Taman Cendana in Pasir Gudang.

Johor Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) director Faisal Long said the relocation is to provide temporary housing while permanent homes are being built on a 10.7-hectare Orang Asli reserve in Kuala Masai.

The victims, all from the Seletar tribe, have been staying at the Dewan Muafakat Megah Ria temporary relief centre since the fire on Feb 12.

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“We have explained the relocation process to them and they have agreed to move,” he said when contacted.

He added that the PPR units will be provided free of charge under a state government initiative and the length of stay will depend on the completion of the permanent houses.

Earlier, Faisal visited the proposed relocation site in Kuala Masai to assess the condition of the area and review infrastructure and socio-economic needs.

Also present were JAKOA deputy director-general (Development) Mahat Mat Dong, its Socioeconomic Development Division director Muhamad Abu Bakar and Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) Johor director, Amy Lydia Adnan.

Faisal said the state government and JAKOA are working closely to ensure the relocation runs smoothly and meets the community’s needs.

The Feb 12 fire destroyed homes in the village, most of which were built on water, leaving more than 100 residents without shelter.

-- BERNAMA