.JPG "Newly completed homes for Orang Asli flood victims in Kg Teranik, Gua Musang which were built by EPIC Homes and sponsored by Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd.")
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 ― Three Orang Asli families from remote Kampung Teranik who lost their homes to the massive floods that struck Kelantan last December were presented with new homes recently.
Roadcare of Protasco sponsored the construction of three 800-square feet houses by EPIC Homes, a social enterprise that builds safe homes, for Orang Asli communities using a modular design and prefabricated panels and components.
Since the floods struck in December, Nazri A/L Labai and his wife Sarinah A/P Acai had been sheltering in a narrow lean-to at a neighbour’s house with their four children, one of whom is handicapped.
“For almost eight months, we lived under the shelter of a piece of wood leaning against a wall,” said Sarinah. “Thank you for our new homes. We have new hope in life.”
EPIC homes are designed to be sustainable with rainwater harvesting and filtration, waste management systems built in. It took about two weeks to raise each of the three homes in Kampung Teranik, a small, isolated Orang Asli settlement, four hours' drive from Gua Musang, Kelantan.
“We believe in rebuilding lives in the communities we operate in. Protasco has been actively involved in earlier post flood aid efforts. Now, it is time for proper rehabilitation,” said Datuk Ir Jamal bin Datuk Nasir, Chief Operating Officer of Roadcare (M) Sdn Bhd.
“These new houses will provide much awaited safety and security for the 18 affected flood victims,” he added.
With four bedrooms, two toilets and one shower each, each family will have a spacious and comfortable home, added Nenggiri ADUN Mat Yusoff bin Ghani.
Meanwhile, another three houses were also completed in Kampung Kolam Mas, Galas and handed over to their new owners last month.
One of the new owners is single mother Ruzaini Abdullah who in with her three children ranging in ages from 17 to 22.
Ruzaini, whose husband died 10 years ago, said the timing was perfect as her youngest daughter Nor Mashitah bt Zainal Abidin is sitting for her SPM examination this year. “It will be easier for her to do her revision now.”
Nor Mashitah added, “With a room to read in, I can focus better.”
For the last eight months, a makeshift canvas has served as a temporary roof for this family.
“Our neighbours have been very helpful in assisting with what we need every day,” Nor Masbitah said.
The new house also provides the family with a greater sense of security. “Now we do not have to trouble our neighbours to look after our belongings when we are at work or in school. And we don't have to worry about our things getting wet when it rains.” said Ruzaini.
All three houses in Kampung Kolam Mas were completed in time for the Merdeka celebrations. This means Roadcare, a subsidiary of Protasco would have built six new homes in total for flood victims in Kelantan.
As part of Protasco Group’s mission to build and support sustainable communities, Roadcare team has plans in the pipeline to build more new homes for still displaced flood victims in Kelantan and other affected states.
