MIRI (March 16): Victims of the landslide which occurred here end of January are urging the authority to expedite the disbursement of the RM1,000 immediate relief from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

According to Kampung Lereng Bukit village chief KK Othman Ahmad, so far, they had only received items like rice cooker, blankets and towels from NADMA.

“We hope the financial assistance can be expedited because many have to repair their house that was damaged by the landslide.

“We do not know where to follow up on this matter because there is no NADMA office in Miri here. We really hope that the relevant authority can look into this matter and expedite the assistance,” he said.

One of the affected villagers, Awang Mohidi Awang Alam, also expressed his frustration over the slow disbursement of the promised aid.

He said all the affected villagers had filled up the necessary forms from NADMA but had yet to receive any updates on the status of the aid.

“It’s very frustrating because we really need the assistance to repair our homes. They said the assistance from NADMA was for ‘immediate relief’ but it’s almost two months now and still no news,” lamented Awang Mohidi.

He added that some of the villagers had even gone to the Welfare Department to make enquiries but only to be told that the assistance is not under the department’s responsibility.

According to Awang Mohidi, 13 houses in the village were affected by the landslide, and all the affected families have applied for the assistance.

Othman also urged the authority concerned to clear a section of drainage in the area that is filled with earth following the landslide.

“It’s been more than a month now and the drain is still not cleared. This will block water from flowing out during rainy season. We hope the authority can take immediate action to resolve this problem.”

Othman and Awang Mohidi were met by reporters during a fast-breaking ceremony hosted for Kampung Lereng Bukit landslide victims by Miri Technical College Saturday night.

College manager Inna Jerman was among those present.