UniMAP Relief Movement for Staff Affected by Storm
Padang Besar, 18 Sept – The storm that wreaked havoc upon nearly the entire state of Perlis yesterday caused a multitude of damages to residences and public infrastructure, affecting many areas.
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) via the Security Department, the Corporate Communications Unit, the Development Unit and the Volunteerism Club provided aid to one of the storm victims, namely Azleen Wahab, a staff of the UniMAP Security Department of UniMAP in Kampung Bawah Bukit, Chuping.
One of the volunteers, Yap Chee Hian, said he and 14 of his friends whose schedules were clear of lectures participated in the relief movement after being informed by the management.
“The Volunteerism Club consists of 93 people, and we are always ready whenever we are informed of a relief movement.
“Some of us are busy with the Orientation Week for the new second intake registration at the university today, but still we are excited to come and help,” he said.
The incident which occurred around 10 pm caused the roof of Azleen’s family home to be blown away. Additionally, the central part of the ceiling cracked and collapsed.
Azleen’s mother Latifah Kassim, 63, said that she and her family were watching television when they were surprised by the loud wind.
She said that everyone wondered what the very loud crash was and discovered upon checking outside that a roof had fallen in front of the house.
“It turned out that the roof from the rear part of the house was blown by the gale to the front. Thankfully no one was injured as the roof was heavy and made of timber,” she said when met.
Meanwhile, UniMAP Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zul Azhar Zahid Jamal spent his time assessing the damaged incurred by the victim’s family.
According to Dr Zul Azhar, UniMAP provided assistance in cleaning and repairing damages through the Development Department and UniMAP volunteers.
“Around 40 staff and volunteers consisting of UniMAP students worked together to help to reduce the burden faced by Azleen’s family.
“Also, UniMAP also conveyed a donation via the UniMAP Disaster Fund to Azleen’s family for other damage repairs required,” he said.
Meanwhile it was reported that 56 houses from several villages and housing areas were damaged by the storm mainly from Mata Ayer, Bintong, Kayang, Beseri, Sena, Chuping, Kuala Perlis and Pauh.
In addition, 156 trees were reported to have been uprooted, blocking major roads and 55 cases of electrical outages had been also received due to the storm.
