Bintulu MP initiates RM1,000 aid for Iris Garden Apartment storm victims

A still image from a video of Tiong (right) checking on the well-being of residents affected by windstorm when visiting the Iris Garden Apartment in Bintulu on Jan 19, 2024.

BINTULU, Jan 20: A relief aid of RM1,000 will be provide to each household in Iris Garden Apartment, registered with the Social Welfare Department and currently putting up at the Balai Raya Aysakirin which has been designated as a temporary relocation centre for the storm victims.

Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said he has instructed his service centre to facilitate the contribution for the storm victims affected by a fierce windstorm that tore off the roofs of six apartment blocks and damaged cars two days ago.

“In addition, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has expedited the approval of funds to support immediate cleaning and roof repair works at the apartment and other affected housing area so that the victims can return to their homes as soon as possible,” he said in a statement shared on his social media yesterday (Jan 19).

Tiong, who is also Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, had rushed back to Bintulu after attending a programme in Cyberjaya on Thursday.

He personally visited to check on the victims and residents while overseeing the cleaning and repair works that have already commenced.

Clearing and repair works have commenced after a fierce windstorm on Jan 18 tore off the roof of six blocks at Iris Garden Apartment.

He informed that updates on the windstorm tragedy have been communicated to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Efforts are being made to secure necessary aid, especially from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

“I want to apologise to all Bintulu residents and assure you that I will continue to monitor the works already mobilised by the service centre to ensure relief and aid reached the victims timely,” he gave assurance.

During his visit, officers from the Resident’s Office, Bintulu District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), and various other agencies and departments were present on-site. — DayakDaily