Kuala Belait - Members of the Kg Sungai Teraban Village Consultative Council (MPK of Kg Sungai Teraban), officers and staff of the Belait District Office and village residents yesterday took part in a 'gotong-royong' (joint community work) activity to repair the roof ofa house of an underprivileged family at Jalan Sungai Satu, Kg Sungai Teraban, Belait District.

Also present to lend a hand was the Advisor of MPK of Kg Sungai Teraban, Awg Hj Musa bin Suhaili.

Dyg Hasliza binti Abdullah, a 36-year-old mother of six, received the attention of the MPK and local villagers when she became the sole guardian of her children aged from three months to 11 years, with her husband in detention.

She had no source of income and had difficulty purchasing milk for her younger children. Three of her children are studying at Sg Teraban Primary School while the young ones still need to be under her constant care.

For now, the family only receives assistance from fellow villagers.

According to the Village Head of Kg Sg Teraban, Awg Mohd Mersidi bin Hj Mohd Shara, the initiative, which also received aid from the Belait Charity Fund, currently focussed on fixing the roofs as the rainy season would pose uncomfortable living conditions for the family.

However, he added, the roofis only part of the problem because they are also living without water or electricity supply. The matters have been brought forward to the relevant government and private agencies. They are also in the process of obtaining assistance from the Community Development Department ( JAPEM) in the Belait District.

Dyg Hasliza expressed her appreciation towards the initiative and the contribution from MPK of Kg. Sungai Teraban as well as the local villagers. She also hoped their living condition will be improved and her husband will back to their family.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin