Landslide Victims Get Donation From NDP
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - The family whose house at Kg Setia B collapsed in a landslide during a heavy downpour last December 2 received financial donation from members of the National Development Party (NDP) yesterday morning.

The presentation was made by Major (Rtd) Hj Mohd Daud Hj Jamil, the NDP's Head of Security and Emergency Aid Bureau and the event was witnessed by Hj Yunus Hj Momin, the president's political secretary and Pg Hj Abu Bakar Pg°Dato Paduka Hj Mohamad, Head of Arts, Culture and Heritage Bureau.

The head of the family of nine, Abdul Bahrin Hj Dullah, thanked NDP members for their concern and said the donation would go far especially in helping his six children to buy new school uniforms, books and stationery when school reopens in about two weeks' time.

Major (Rtd) HJ Mohd Daud said the donation was collected from NDP members who felt sad over the tragedy faced by the family. "We hope the contribution could lessen their suffering," he said.

During the December 2 downpour, a landslide occurred leaving their house by the Brunei River at Kg Setia B to collapse.

Abdul Bahrin and his family now stay at his brother's house which is next to his old house. Abdul Bahrin has six children aged between two and 13.

Recalling the tragedy, he said they were traumatised by the incident. "Every time we felt the house shaking, we ran outside thinking it may be another disaster. Even my brother and his family were traumatised by the tragedy," he said.

He added that there was a similar tragedy some six years ago caused by a landslide that occurred a few blocks from his house.

"A geologist from a relevant department told us six years ago that there would be a similar incident in the future if the hill at the back of our house was not protected by reinforcement.

He told us he would make recommendations for the necessary rectification work to be carried out.

"We hope it could be done now as we are very worried that similar incidents will occur in the future," he said.

Abdul Bahrin also hoped that he could be offered a job as he is currently unemployed. "My wife is working in a private firm earning $250 a month. It is very hard for us to survive on that income alone especially now I rely only on odd jobs like making boat or operating a rented water taxi," he said.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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