Tsunami Victims Need More Money As Their Condition Worsens

Bandar Seri Begawan – Financial aid is badly needed by victims of the tsunami disaster in Aceh who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of the calamity.

Awang Jemat bin Ampal, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, said that rebuilding the basic infrastructure such as schools and homes for the survivors are also a top priority.

Awang Jemat, who returned from Medan on Saturday, told Radio Television Brunei (RTB) on the immediate situation in the devastated province after being hit by the earthquake and tsunami on December 26, 2004.

He described the conditions faced by the people of Aceh who are in dire need of the basic necessities.

Awang Jemat said financial aid is the most preferable form of contribution because money can be used to purchase much needed supplies.

Moreover, things are cheap there.

The immediate need of the children is school kits, stationary and books.

The money can also be used to construct new schools and houses for the thousands of homeless people.

He added that his ministry has established good contacts with parties there who could be relied upon to distribute humanitarian aid much needed by the survivors.

Following his trip to the region recently, Awang Jemat said that the representatives of the Indonesian Social Department have agreed to handle any assistance from Brunei, including financial aid.

The representatives, he added, are given the authority to purchase the necessary supplies with the cooperation of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation based in Medan.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports can also contact them to distribute the aid supplies shipped to the province. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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