Bandar Seri Begawan - Two weeks following a fire that erupted at the Chong family residence at No 40, Kampong Madang on August 30, the owner of the house, Madam Peng Sock Tee passed away, leaving three of her children to fend for themselves.

Since then, a group of Chinese businessmen have come forward to provide monetary assistance for the underprivileged family, who received a generous contribution of B$18,450, which went towards repairing the family's home.

Through the efforts of the Brunei-Muara District Office, with support from the private sector, the repair works were swiftly completed.

Zalin Wood Art and Furniture Sdn Bhd donated B$9,350; Kao Pink Construction and Engineering Sdn Bhd donated $1,000; Mr Phang Joon Fong donated $4,000; Mr Sim Kheng Seng contributed $1,800; Mr Lai Chow Ngee contributed $1,200; and Mr Tong Ghee Yih donated $1,100.

Madam Peng Sock Tee passed away at the age of 77 two weeks ago from a health complication and left behind three children who are currently in their 40s. The family is surviving on a monthly pension allowance of B$250.

The eldest son has a mental disability and is currently admitted at the RIPAS Hospital, while the second son and the youngest daughter are unemployed and tend to keep away from from the public eye.

During the August 30 fire, which broke out at 4am, a neighbour rushed to the scene to rescue Madam Peng from the blaze.

Present to receive the house after the completion of restoration works on behalf of the late Madam Peng were relatives comprising Mr Chong Yun Ming, Mr Chong Yun Hin, Mr Chong Yun Fah and Miss Chong Nyuk Chuan. The repaired house was presented by the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer, Awg Hj Abdul Hamid bin Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah.

Madam Peng's husband and a close relative wholeheartedly thanked all the donors and the Brunei-Muara District Office for their assistance in salvaging what remains of a month of unfortunate incidents.

They also conveyed their gratitude to Pg Hj Ali, the Penghulu of Mukim Berakas 'B' for services rendered in helping the family.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin