A resident who lived in Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu in Miri has appealed to the government to provide assistance to rebuild his old home which almost collapsed.

Sahari Bujang has long been settled in that dilapidated wooden house for more than 30 years in Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu, Miri.

According to Sahari, he works as an odd-job carpenter with no fixed income and no pension. He stays in the dilapidated wooden house along with his children and grandchildren.

The family’s income is also uncertain, and the family could be categorised as urban poor.

He is also worried about the safety of their family as the house could collapse at any time. The house’s zinc roof is full of holes and leaks when it is raining, and the walls have also been devoured by termites.

He has several times sought assistance from the government and also Sarawak Baitulmal since 2014, but until now no action has been taken to repair or rebuild the dilapidated wooden house.

He begged Miri PAS to help bring forward his problem to the relevant authorities so that it can be acted upon immediately. The house should be rebuilt since it is a rather dangerous to stay there because the structure has already rotted.

We urge government agencies such as the Baitulmal, Social Welfare Agency and others to immediately help these families as soon as possible.

We also urge the relevant parties undertake a Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT) to help repair the houses of poor people in Malaysia immediately.

Sahari is hoping that the problem of his dilapidated house will get the attention of the authorities and so that it can be rebuilt immediately. He worries that something may happen if they continue to live in the dilapidated wooden house.

Cooperation with all parties to help the family of Sahari Bujang so that they can live comfortably and safely in a new house is very much appreciated.

JOFRI JARAIEE is Sarawak PAS deputy commissioner III-cum-Miri PAS chief.