Minister unapologetic over aid to Tg Piai house fire victim

A Tanjung Piai fisherman received RM56,000 in government aid to rebuild his burnt home today.

The aid delivered to Abdul Razak Sahak by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Minister Salahuddin Ayub is part of the Fisherfolk Housing Special Project (PKPN).

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Abdul Razak said he was out at sea when the fire broke out on Sunday, believed to be caused by a short circuit.

"When I got home about 12.30am, the fire was raging. I thought my wife was still inside but fortunately, her sibling had rescued her."

The 60-year old Kukup resident said no one was harmed, but suffered about RM150,000 in losses including two burnt cars.

The family is now staying with Abdul Razak's wife's sibling, who lives just down the road.

Meanwhile, Salahuddin was unapologetic about giving aid to Abdul Razak on the eve of the Tanjung Piai by-election.

"A house burnt down, surely we shouldn't wait until after the by-election (to give aid)," he said, adding that anything that needs immediate attention will get done if there are funds for it.

He said that he would do the same even during the campaign period.

"After nomination, if there is a tragedy, I will give aid.

"I will not wait as though being apologetic, ‘No we can't (help) because it is the campaign period'. No.

"I will not be swayed by such arguments, I don't need to listen to others, this is a responsible government and we will give help to whoever met with tragedy," he said.

Salahuddin was speaking to reporters after a unity banquet in Pontian.

Besides the aid to Abdul Razak, Salahuddin said the cabinet has also approved RM1 million to aid 78 fish cage farmers in Kukup Laut, whose fish have all died.

This was due to freshwater contamination from Typhoon Lekima.

Salahuddin was similarly unapologetic about the aid.

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