PEKAN – Concerned with the plight of flood victims who have lost their homes, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has agreed to provide assistance to build new houses for them.
His Majesty himself came down to inspect the construction sites of the new houses in Kg Sg Gangchong, Acheh, and Kg Tg Pulai here today.
Al-Sultan Abdullah was accompanied by his four sons, namely Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah, and Tengku Panglima Muda Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah.
The royal family arrived at Kg Tg Pulai at 4pm, and were briefed by Pahang Public Works Department director Hafizah Zakaria, who stated that construction work on the 660 sq ft single-storey units there will begin next week.
According to Hafizah, it will take 16 weeks to build the houses – which will have three bedrooms, a dining hall and a toilet – on the land owned by the flood victims.
Meanwhile, house owner Mohd Khanafiah Abu Bakar, 52, said he was pleasantly surprised and very grateful to be able to receive a newly built home from Al-Sultan Abdullah.
He said part of the structure of his house had collapsed due to the floods at the beginning of January, and he was staying at his brother’s house for the time being.
"I am very moved; it is our heritage house where all of us siblings gather during Raya and kenduri... we really appreciate His Majesty’s gesture," said Khanafiah.
Single mother Nur Hasnah Mat Yunos, 60, another recipient who lives in Kg Sg Gangchong, also welcomed His Majesty’s kind act.
"Our home is just a simple wooden house, when it floods the floor gets damaged. Thanks to His Majesty who is so good and willing to build a new house for us,” said Nur Hasnah, who lives in the village with her three children and two grandchildren. – Bernama, February 12, 2021
