Bkt Antarabangsa Sunday 14Nov 2008

Foremost, I would like to highlight a point or two: this posting and any related to it, are not meant to capture the scene of the tragedy, rather, another perspective of the site other than the mainstream media.

Another is that, the mainstream media would only showcase the 'heroic' acts of the Sarkas while rarely or never ever, show the unselfish assistance of the common people, most especially those from the Pakatan Rakyat. An example of how a Sarkas goon was trying to hog the limelight for herself was printed in The Star today.

While visiting the relief and support center, the lady noticed many PAS Muslimat and PKR Women assisting the Red Crescent (PBSM) there. She immediately directed those from PAS and PKR to be sent away. But a PBSM officer told her bluntly "There ladies have been assisting us here since Day1 without any fanfare from the media. Had it not been for them, we could not have managed by ourselves!".


Sincere Assitance.
The members of Unit AMAL were on hand from Day1, providing what assistance they can to the victims, stranded residents as well as authorities. When Wak and I began our coverage, none of them knew we were coming. Nor were they expecting anyone to cover their story.

In an area smaller than Petaling Jaya, AMAL was as elusive as perhaps, the Yeti - we simply could not find them on the first 2 days we were there! Operating without communication equipment except for handphones, we finally managed to find one AMAL unit on the morning of the 3rd day. But by then, Wak and I had to split where Wak made coverage of B Doc Lo'Lo' while I took shots of the AMAL unit in Impiana Selatan Apartment blocks.

Top left: Residents of Bkt A'bangsa in a jovial mood.
Top right: An Amal member (l) with an apartment owner.
Bottom left: A friend of an owner lending his hand.
Bottom right: The owners driving off perhaps, for the last time.

AMAL members in the midst of moving the belonging of an apartment unit.
Bottom left: Whle the truck provided free by MPAJ is equiped with automatic lift platform,
the furniture and other belonging still needed manual labour
which was provided by these AMAL members.

Soon, if not already, the apartment blocks will be left empty, left as a desolate monument
of a tragedy that could have been avoided.
No amount of money or valuable possession such as the (abandoned?) sports car (bottom left),
can equal the treasure of a human life.

The only true possession a Muslim has are: A pious son, sadaqa,

and good knowledge imparted towards the betterment of others.

Road Closure.

Rain or shine, AMAL has come to the fore in many occasions, locally and abroad.
They were there during the Johor Floods, Kampung Berembang,
Kampung Rimba Jaya, and a host of places.
Off course, they were also there during the 10-11 BERSIH March.
Internationally, many of them have been to Acheh, Mindanao, Thailand, Pakistan,
and several more, assiting the citizens with what they could.

YB Doc Lo'Lo', was a difficult subject to capture on camera; everytime I tried,
she would be face another direction at the last minute. Either that, or the lighting were bad.
Limping from the apartment block up the hill towards the tent,
I was caught unaware when she she said
"Why didn't you call AMAL (to assist you)?"
But, what a lady.

Due to confusion in communication, many people were left stranded on the hill
when the authorities closed the only road available for the above reason.

While many understood and relented, a few bickered with the security personnel
for blocking their road and even hurled abusive words at them.
Someone then came up with a bright idea to use AMAL's whiteboard to convey
the message of road closure.
Bottom right: Asri(l) and Farhan - the good Doc's assistant and son respectively
- helping to carry supplies to LKKPP's tent.

During the heavy downpour on that day, many had to huddle in this small tent which lay some 200meters from the landslide path. It was also where LKKPP and Unit AMAL used to distribute food.
Top right: Unit AMAL members performing the Zohor prayers within a small confine.

Soon after performing Zohor prays, only then did they have their lunch.

Shamsul of LKKPP beside the AMAL whiteboard which had another use later.

The Man of the Day! Nik Shahrul was a very busy man throughout the days on and after the tragedy.
He however accredited OCPD Ampang, Tuan Khalid (if I am not mistaken of the name),
for allowing him to assist.

To many people I met and spoke, the tragedy here is not in the event itself. Rather, the development of a hill which is largely made of soft earth. That, is beside the fact that the whole area is a water catchment area.

Due to the road closure, I did not get the chance to take any pictures of the volunteers at the support center.

Single Mothers' Day

Kindly spread the news, please.



ps. Will update the Bkt Antarabangsa later. Somehow, my body is still aching...legs, actually.

Hostel Ravaged By Fire

The Metro tabloid on October 24, 2008, reported a hostel ravaged by fire causing 2 fatalities, children of the age of 4 and 6. The hostel, apart from housing 51 orphans, was also the shelter for 9 low-income families, including a single mother with 9 children.

Late Monday afternoon, several representatives of Kelab Kami Prihatin, accompanied YB Doctor Lo'lo' who, as the Chairman of the Lajnah Kebajikan dan Kemasyarakatan PAS Pusat, visited the scene in hope of meeting the orphans and the families involved. The group was met by an Ustaz Riduan, the manager of another hostel nearby, and was informed that while the orphans are temporarily placed in a home in Rawang, the families mentioned above are given shelter in his hostel for the time being. The YB Doctor and the group were then brought into the ruins of the hostel building and were told of the horrible incident of the night.

In the confusion that surely must have taken place that night, the 2 children are believed to be on one of the upper floors of the 4storey wooden building. The fire (causes of which are still unknown), swept through the building where the upper floors soon collapsed. Along with the thick smoke which was asphyxiating, the residents fled the building. It was only then when the father realised that his son was trapped in the building. Though he tried to rush back into the building in a bid to save his son, the fire and smoke stopped him. We were then told of the heart-wrenching part where the father could not do anything but watched his son engulfed by the flames.

The YB Doctor was then taken to a site a few lots away where stood several metal cabins and perhaps, an unused public hall but one which had no walls, only cemented floor and a roof. These, would most probably be the stay for the families as well as the orphans for a long duration, until a permanent housing can be found. Even then, there is a just need to provide air-condition for the metal cabins which otherwise without, would be like living in an oven with the hot sun above. The YB Doctor will try to seek the assistance of the local authorities, DBKL, to provide financial aid towards this, and at the same time, several units of the PPR which all local authorities normally reserve for emergency use.


Kelab Kami Prihatin, would like to make an appeal to kind-hearted Malaysians to provide financial and in-kind aid to the families and orphans above. The contact persons telephone number for KKP as well as the account number is as below. Whether monetary aid or in-kind, please do inform the ladies. May Allah s.w.t. bless and reward you for your generousity.

Kami Prihatin, Bank Islam: 12113010026150 (see top left panel).
Raja Rozita (Treasurer) 019 357 5057
Siti Aishah: 019 343 6804

We Care

Should be an interesting night tonight. Ever since even before PRU12, I have not been able to attend Kelab Kami Prihatin meets or event. Well, except for one meet middle of last month, we have not had any actually, and I had to miss that last meet.

Prior to PRU12, we had planned several events which one or 2 may be viewed rather controversially by some people. Now, we should be able to execute those plans which were put on hold. I am half excited to know and be part of KP's plans for this year, especially since Selangor and KL has fallen into Pakatan Rakyat's rule. This, should make it easier for us to hold events which otherwise were heavily restricted even if one is non-partisan. Prior, even if one is non-partisan, one is expected to invite a person or 2 from the Sarkas to officiate and what not. Personally, I think that's a whole load of bull - why should any party wanting to do good for the people, have to invite the Sarkas who thinks of nothing but making profit from the people?

InsyAllah, I'll update on the meet later. Off course, it will have to be with KP's blessings.

By the way, I quite recently realised that my blog's on Pak Bakar's Malaysiakita list. I'm honoured to be there but afraid I might just cause him embarrassment as I am not really a political blogger as my friends would testify. Just hope the whole thing will not be looked upon as a joke.

Badan Amal Kami Prihatin

Last night I was able to attend the Kelab Kami Prihatin meeting in KL. After missing 2 consecutive meetings, it was great to do so. And alhamdulillah, it was most certainly great to meet familiar faces there; we exchanged greetings and hugged. The lady members were especially concerned when they had a look at my left foot and soon many, the men included as well, began giving their 'medical opinions' on how it should be treated. With so many caring people around, there was nothing I could do but smile and nod to each advice. Then the ladies began hugging me...in my dreams, off course. But it certainly is nice to be back in action, and most certainly great to know that you are missed.

The meeting which was scheduled at 8.30pm could only begin at 10pm due to the weather causing several latecomers, and ended at 12.45am. Hmm...well, at least it ended early.

Anyway, one of the good news for the night is that Kelab Kami Prihatin is now officially a Non-Government Organisation and is now named Badan Amal Kami Prihatin. I have put the logo and some information on the left banner, which was scanned from our newly published calender for 2008. InsyAllah, once we have finalised the Corporate Image, I will put it up. Though some may not think much about Corporate Image, it is an important feature, one that would give a distinct identity for the public to recognise. Without the identity, some may even say they do not know us, even though they may see the logo every day. It would then be a cause for consternation whenever our members need to liaise with officials of other organisations, especially the administrators of such who rarely venture out of their office, save to go home. The identity would also make it easier for the public to remember and respond to any call for volunteers at a later stage, insyAllah.

Talking of volunteers, several members of KP, along with a few volunteers, responded to the flood situation in Pekan, Pahang, quite recently. There, they distributed some RM10,000 worth of foodstuff and daily needs to the victims. It may be of interest to note that this area is the Parliamentary seat for a certain elected official in the Parliament. However, the the condition there leaves much to be desired. And in certain offices of the official, at least 2 large stacks of supplies meant for the people sits ideal, and perhaps will never be distributed. This, off course, was never highlighted by the media.

Back to the meeting, KP is reviving a plan to hold a concert meant for all the mat-mat in the Klang Valley - those mat rocks, mat rempits, mat jiwangs and all other mats, along with their minahs as well. We have discussed it thoroughly and understand it will be a rather controversial project but are quite adamant - and confident - to pull it off. Our objective here is to try and put some senses into these youngsters and invite them back to the right path. The performing artistes have all been briefed with regards to our intention, and they seem excited about it and have even lowered their appearance fees considerably as a token of their contribution for this project. InsyAllah, if everything goes as plan, the concert will take place on the 1st of March. Kindly do give us your moral support.

Apart from that, we will also continue giving our support to the needy and the visits to the various hospitals. But for these and other humanitarian projects we have, we do need the public to give either in kind or cash.

For those who wish to give in kind - which include school/reference/story books and of its nature - kindly do write to me of your intention. It would be preferable if the quantity is justifiably large for us to collect; perhaps you could get your neighbours to contribute as well. Your contribution here will be given to the children of the flood victims throughout the nation.

As for the cash donation, the bank account number for Badan Amal Kami Prihatin is at the top of the left banner. Kindly do note however, the name Kelab Kami Prihatin may still be used by the bank for the moment.

For those who are unable to contribute any, kindly spread the word to your friends and family members. As for the website, you might experience some difficulty for the moment as it is still new and some changes are being made presently.