Bilal who gave shelter also a good neighbour, flood victims say

Sapno Tukijo, the 50-year-old bilal who last Sunday opened the doors of Penang Free School surau to flood victims, including non-Muslims, had earned him much praise.

But for the flood victims, many of whom were neighbours of the surau along Lengkuk P Ramlee, Sapno is more than someone who just happened to provide them shelter.

Lee Swee Cheng, 50, who received shelter at the surau, said Sapno was well known in the neighbourhood as being a kind and generous man.

"He is a kind-hearted neighbour, friendly and would always help others out.

"I am grateful to him for helping us out during the floods in this neighbourhood which reached chest-level," she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Lee said Sapno had initially tried to help the neighbours to a temple across by tying a rope but were thwarted due to the strong current of the floodwaters.

"In the end, he invited us temporarily put up at the surau," she was quoted as saying.

Following the floods, Sapno also helped the local residents with the cleanup.

Meanwhile, another local resident, K Tulasiammal, 40, also thanked Sapno for coming to her aid when the flood was at its worst.

"I was panicking because I did not know how to save my father or is old and weak," she was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

They hoped that the public will view Sapno's actions in a positive light.

Sapno's deed came to light when a photograph of a group of people, including a topless Chinese man, seated in the surau, was circulated on social media.

While many praised Sapno, some had complained about the etiquette of the guests.

The surau chairperson Zakaria Mydin, 53, had explained that those seeking shelter were drenched in cold flood water and therefore, some had removed their clothing.

He added the surau had opened its doors to people of all races during the flood.

"Some people made conclusions based on one photograph. They did not understand the true situation (of the flood victims).

"Don't be hasty in making conclusions," he said.- Mkini