BUKIT BAN KEE FIRE (Total sum collected for relief of victims)

Mr Low Por Tuck asked the Minister for Labour what is the total sum collected from the public for the relief of the Bukit Ban Kee fire victims, the amount each of the victims has received and the total sum received by them to date.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the total sum collected from the public for the relief of the Bukit Ban Kee fire victims is $78,546.48. Each fire victim has received $50 per person cash relief. In addition, each family has received three months of rent subsidy at the monthly rate of $7 per person subject to a maximum of $35 per family. An average family of five persons would, therefore, receive about $350 assistance from the Government and the public.

The total amount received by the fire victims both from Government funds as well as donations is $105,154.

Mr Low Por Tuck: Mr Speaker, Sir, is the three months' rent subsidy from the Housing Board paid out by the Social Welfare Department or only from the Housing Board?

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, it is paid from the Social Welfare fund.