SDNU Sibu donates aid to Rh Paulus Yan fire victims

SIBU (Jan 20): The local branch of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) presented contributions to the fire victims of Rumah Paulus Yan in Kanowit recently.

The branch’s chairman Chambai Lindong led a group of his exco members to Dewan Datuk Aaron at Jalan Nibong-Tada, where the fire victims are taking shelter currently.

“We visited the fire victims to give both material support in the form of food and clothing, as well as moral support.

“On hand to meet us were the longhouse chieftain himself and some of the villagers, who are putting up temporarily at the hall,” he said.

Chambai said he could see that some of the longhouse residents were still in visible shock and had difficulty in accepting the reality that their residence, which they had built years ago, had been razed by a fire, destroying their valuable items.

“It is indeed a touching experience to see them, young and old, including school-children, being crammed in special tents provided by the Welfare Department.

“For the time being, their daily meals are provided by the same department.

“But in the days to come, they will need more help and support from members of the public to enable them to face this most trying and challenging time in their lives,” he said.

In this regard, Chambai hoped that the branch’s contribution, together with earlier contributions from other members of the public, would help ease the victims’ burden for the time being.

On Jan 15, the 15-door longhouse was destroyed by a fire, leaving 71 residents homeless.