BANK MUAMALAT CONTINUES WITH HUMANITARIAN MISSION

PADANG, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Bank Muamalat Malaysia continued providing
humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims in a second mission to Pariaman,
here, on Oct 10 and 11.

The bank's corporate communication head Abdul Hanif Abu Bakar said the
mission brought food, drinking water, sarongs, blankets, candles and tents for
the victims.

"We feel the hardship faced by the victims and the provisions in this
mission is part of the bank's social responsibility towards the people across
the border," he told reporters.

The items were distributed in Kampung Koto Royo, Kampung Simpang Mara
Palam and Kampung Palak Aneh, the most devastated areas in Padang.

The second mission of 25 people comprised media representatives, Mutiara
Damansara surau committee and a medical team with the cooperation of Firefly to
transport the aid to the victims, Abdul Hanif said.

The first mission was carried out on Oct 5 where aid was distributed to 200
families in 14 affected villages in Pariaman.

Meanwhile, several victims when met said they were thankful for the
assistance extended, though grieving on their loss.

Mokhtar Satu, 62, who lost 12 of his family members, said regardless what
happened he had to face the test with a strong will.

"I was in a shop about 100 metres from the hill behind it...suddenly, I saw
an avalanche of soil from the hill which buried the houses nearby.

"I quickly ran to the edge and was unable to help save my neighbours," he
said.

Mokhtar said his perished family members were all buried in the earth and
mud he called the big burial ground.

Teteng Buyong, 50, said she lost four of her children; only one was dug out
from the mudslide.

"When it happened I was heading for the market, while the children were in
the house. It was fated," she said.
-- BERNAMA