As the first anniversary of the March 2001 clashes in the Kampung Medan, Jalan Klang Lama area in Kuala Lumpur, nears, the victims have not been forgotten.
Long after the media attention has waned and the tragedy barely lingers in the memory of most, the Yayasan Strategik Sosial is among those groups and individuals, which continues to heal the wounds of the afflicted.
During a few days of madness last March, described as the worst ethnic clashes since 1969, six persons were killed, scores were injured and hundreds were arrested.
The clashes have been attributed to tensions and stresses built up in the densely populated low-cost area marked by poverty and socio-economic deprivation. Decades of neglect in the provision of basic services, social dislocation, social ills and other factors contributed to the clashes which were triggered by some misunderstanding between groups of residents.
While immediate and ad-hoc measures were taken to tackle problems like poor roads, inadequate water and electricity supply, and the lack of community halls, the longer term measures and solutions are being put in place.
The MIC and YSS have played their part in assisting the victims, including practical aid with housing, financial help, medical care and other needs. It has helped the families of those killed to apply for low-cost housing and arranged for medical care and follow-up services for those injured and affected. In recent months, funds have been disbursed to the victims. The MIC and YSS remain committed to funding a fair and lasting solution to the problems of the marginalised urban communities.
(Submitted on 18th Jan 2002)
|
