JOHOR GOVT BUILDING NEW HOUSES FOR FIRE VICTIM OF KAMPUNG ORANG ASLI TELUK JAWA

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The Johor government is building 40 houses at an Orang Asli reserve land near Kuala Masai to relocate victims affected by last Wednesday’s (Feb 12)  fire at Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa.

Johor Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) director Faisal Long said the five-acre coastal site has been identified as suitable for the Orang Asli community from the Seletar tribe.

“A total of 40 families, comprising 30 families affected by the fire and 10 who were not affected, will be relocated,” he told reporters after visiting the Dewan Muafakat Taman Megah Ria Temporary Relief Evacuation Centre (PPS) here today.

Faisal said temporary housing would also be built,  subject to approval at the District Disaster Committee meeting with the relevant agencies tomorrow.

“Temporary housing would also be constructed, subject to approval at the District Disaster Committee meeting with relevant agencies scheduled for tomorrow.

“If approved, we are targeting the temporary houses to be completed within one or two weeks, after which the residents can move to the new settlement,” he said.

He added that the relocation is expected to strengthen ties between residents of Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa and the Orang Asli community in Kuala Masai, while facilitating administrative coordination and the provision of essential facilities, including healthcare and welfare services.

Hopefully, this assistance will give the Orang Asli community renewed spirit to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The fire in Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa, which broke out last Wednesday, destroyed 30 houses, leaving 117 residents homeless.

--BERNAMA