The longhouse, Rh. Wan Usin which constructed 10 years ago since 1992 was located at Merah River, Jelalong area at Tubau, Sebauh district, about two hours speedboat journey from Bintulu town.

The property lost was assessed at RM2.5 million where most of the fire victims failed to save any valuable belongings, including their new harvested paddies.

Dr. Stephen Rundthee, the new elected assemblyman for N52 Kemena disclosed that a total of RM41,924 immergency relief had been delivered to the fire victims after his visit to the longhouse yesterday.

Expressing his symphathies to the fire victims as Member of Parliament for Bintulu, Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, Rundthee said the longhouse were one of the royal supporters of Barisan Nasional in the Jelalong area.

He said the relief was in the form of cash assitance, clothing, blanket, food and cooking utensil.

For the students, he said they would receive RM50 and RM70 for their text books, stationaries and new uniforms respectively.

As the aid to assist the victims to erect their temporary home, he said a total of RM110,000 wooden materials was expected to arrive soon.

Beside, the assemblyman said he would seek for the assistance from neighbouring timber camps and factories, as well as various societies to provided voluntary services to the needies.

He also urged the parents to ensure their children, especially those would sit for PMR, UPSR and SPM examination respectively  to continue with their shcooling routines.

Meanwhile, Teo Ho Ping, the representative of Member of Parliament for Bintulu Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing urged all the 640 longhouses in the area to be well prepared for any fire emergencies especially during the dry spell season.

He said, the BN government would ensure various assistance rendering to the fire victims via its channels, such as Welfare Department, Health Department and Resident & District Offices (R&DO) to co-ordinate with the affected victims.
 
During the visit, the TR. Wan Usin also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the various immergency relief delivered by the government via its departments and agencies. 

After the visit, Dr. Rundthee and Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing also handed over their personal cash assistance to the headman of the longhouse.

Also present during the visiting were District Officer Philip Ho, divisional welfare officer Mr. Peter Niyel Ramis and Sergeant Lucas, OCS for Tubau Police station.