By SARBAN SINGH

BAHAU, MALAYSIA: The house that the public helped build is gone in a fire, and Ong Siew Lan hopes for a new home in the new year.

Now temporarily staying with her mother in Kg Indah new village, the 33-year-old mother of nine is grateful to neighbours for saving her children from the fire after breaking the padlock to her house.

Ong had only managed to buy the house about a year ago after the public helped raise RM18,000.

She said the fire happened on Dec 21 when she was away at her mother's house.

"Before leaving, I had lighted some joss sticks and candles at the altar to mark winter solstice.

"I was told that one of my children, Soon Heng was playing with lit candles and this started the fire, " she said.

The Star had first reported Ong's plight on Nov 1, 2007 about how she could not look after and provide for her children after quitting her job.

She had claimed her husband, a general worker at a sawmill, did not have a regular income.

Jempol Gerakan chief Paul Leong, who visited the family yesterday, hoped to raise RM30,000 to get the family a new home before Chinese New Year.

He said well-wishers had raised RM2,000 so far.

In handing over uniforms for Ong's five school-going children, Leong said he would also help the family to re-apply for their birth certificates and other important documents.

Ong receives monthly aid from the welfare department.

Well-wishers can send donations to Leong's office at 40, Jalan Besar, 71200 Bahau, Negri Sembilan or give cheques by contacting Ong at 019-6200330.

-- The Star / Asia News Network