Kinta Properties Sdn Bhd has joined forces with Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) to repair the homes of families affected by a freak storm that struck just before Chinese New Year, bringing the Taman Tasek Damai residents much relief.   Pledging an initial sum of RM40,000, Kinta Properties will carry out repairs as well as improvement works on 44 houses at Jalan Tawas Baru 2 and Jalan Tawas Baru 12 in the course of a week. During a visit to the disaster site on Sat, 12 Feb, Datuk Bandar Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin @Md Daud told reporters that the joint corporate social responsibility effort with Kinta Properties was part of MBI’s Program Prihatin.   “The freak storm that struck on Jan 30 has caused serious damage to houses in four areas including Taman Tasek Damai. “About half of the 44 houses here have already been repaired by their owners and as such, we will carry out improvement and touch up works on them.   Those that have not been repaired will be fixed in the shortest time. “We are able to keep the cost of repairs low as work will be carried out by Kinta Properties themselves without the need to appoint any contractors,” said Rumaizi. Kinta Properties director Edwin Tan Beow Aik, who was also present, said the company would contribute additional funding should it be required.   “It is most unfortunate that a tragedy such as this took place especially when it was so near the Chinese New Year celebrations. “We feel sorry and deeply sympathise with the residents. We will help however we can,” said Tan.   Resident Hamzah Majid said he was grateful to MBI and Kinta Properties for coming to the aid of the residents. “I am extremely grateful for their help as I do not have the resources to pay for repairs on my own,” he said.   Expressing his relief that help has finally arrived, fellow resident Nur Amiruddin Rosli said he became traumatised each time it threatened to rain. “My house roof is damaged and it leaks whenever it rains. I was desperate for help and am so relieved to finally receive help to repair my house,” he said.   Also present at the site visit was Jelapang Councillor, Mohd Rafaad Razali.