TSUNAMI victims, now staying in temporary houses, can look forward to moving into brand new apartments in Tanjung Bungah by the end of next month. 

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who announced this yesterday, asked the victims staying in temporary houses in Jalan Batu Ferringhi to be patient for a little longer. 

“I had hoped that the apartments would be ready before Hari Raya but I have been told that there is a slight delay in the construction work. 

“I know this temporary settlement is not ideal but nonetheless, it has all the basic amenities and is quite comfortable for a temporary shelter.  

“The new apartments will definitely be more comfortable,” he said in his buka puasa speech at the Batu Ferringhi settlement. 

Last month, it was reported that the tsunami victims “were fed up with the delay”. 

Some of them had also complained that the houses were smaller than what was promised. 

Dr Koh later presented batik, kain pelekat and foodstuff to the 98 families living at the settlement.  

T-shirts and duit raya were also presented to the 200 children pre- sent. 

The buka puasa event was jointly organised by Maxis Communications and the Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS).  

According to Maxis acting head of corporate affairs Datuk Ahmad A. Ta-lib, this was the second time the company was hosting such an event for the state's tsunami victims. 

“The company will continue orga-nising such gatherings to foster closer relations with the community,” he said. 

About 100 Maxis and MRCS volunteers prepared the food for the buka puasa.