2004 Tsunami victims grateful for waiving their monthly housing instalment

SUNGAI PETANI: Residents of Taman Permatang Katong, Kota Kuala Muda here, expressed gratitude to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah for waiving the RM50 monthly instalment on their houses.
They comprise the 126 families who have been paying the amount for their houses after they were relocated there following the 2004 tsunami.
One of the residents, Zarina Saad, 38, when met by Bernama, said she and her family moved into the house in Taman Permatang Katong in early 2006 after her family home was destroyed by the tsunami on Dec 26, 2004.
"When the Menteri Besar announced that the waive, it was a great relief and I am very grateful.
"Although it is only RM50 a month, the amount is big enough for me and my family as we can spend it for other purposes, like paying the bills and paying the assessment rate," she said.
Another resident, Faridah Md Rejab, 49, was also a victim of the 2004 tsunami and whose house was destroyed in the incident.
"The site of my old house now accommodates the Tsunami Gallery," she said, adding that she was hosting a feast at her house when the tsunami struck.
Faridah said life was more comfortable since moving into her new home.
"The housing area is equipped with various facilities, and now the news on waiving the monthly instalment, it is the happiest news for us. Thank you Menteri Besar," she said.
Ahmad Khamis, 65, who moved into the house at Taman Permatang Katong about 11 years ago, said he supported his wife and a child from his income as a fisherman.
"The income is not much and there are days I cannot go out fishing. So, the announcement by the Menteri Besar can help ease our burden," he said.
Yesterday, Ahmad Bashah announced that the government had waived with immediate effect the RM50 monthly housing instalment that 126 families had been paying after they were relocated to Taman Permatang Kayong.
He said on the average, the repayment period was for 20 years, but the state government, with the approval of the federal government, decided to wave to remaining payments. — Bernama