Malaysians have always been kindhearted people who care for their fellow community members regardless of race and religion. It’s what makes us all Malaysian.
An example of this is a group of neighbours who have been caring for their differently-abled fellow neighbour, after her loved ones had passed away.
According to a report by Sin Chew Daily, 44-year-old Chen has been living with her father and brother at a rented home in Krokop 1, Miri, Sarawak, for more than 10 years. Though, unfortunately, a few years back, Chen had fallen down the stairs and now relies on a wheelchair as she injured her spine.
Following that, 3 years ago, Chen had lost her father to a heart attack, leaving her and her younger brother to fend for themselves. Sadly, last month, her younger brother also lost his life suddenly in his sleep.
Though, during a visit by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), it was discovered that Chen’s neighbours, a group of kindhearted people who have lived next to her for more than 10 years, have been taking very good care of her and have been treating her like family.
They have been sending 4 meals a day to Chen, where they’ll flash their phones’ flashlight to indicate to Chen that her food has arrived. This is due to the fact that Chen is also deaf.
“She likes fried chicken wings, but she can’t actually eat much. But, she must eat 4 meals to be full. Sometimes, we come back too late, and she will be waiting at the gate. And when she sees us, she will keep waving to indicate that she is hungry,” one of the neighbours shared.
They also celebrated her birthday by presenting her with a cake. We’re not crying, you’re crying!
Chen and her neighbours have always been close, as prior to her spinal injury, she would always go to their houses to watch television shows together. But, due to her being wheelchair-bound, she can no longer make the trip to their houses.
So, they decided to come up with a solution.
“We know she loves to watch movies, so everyone pooled some money to buy a tablet and a smartphone for her so that even if she can’t come over, she can still watch movies at home,” the neighbour explained further, while adding that they are doing their best to care for her.
But, there was one more problem
Prior to her father’s passing, they managed to make ends meet and pay their rent. But, after her father had passed away, Chen and her brother had struggled through the Covid-19 pandemic and ended up owing thousands of Ringgit in rent to their landlord.
“I don’t want to drive her away but I also need to rely on the rental money. I very much hope to take back the house and renovate it before renting it out again. Though, if there are kindhearted people who are willing to pay the rent for her, I will also be happy (to continue to let her stay there),” the landlord shared.
SUPP has since revealed that Chen is a beneficiary of Miri Welfare Department’s subsidies but further investigations are needed to find out who has been entrusted to receive it. SUPP branch youth secretary councillor Leslie Lau will also look into getting Chen approved for the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS).
Despite her struggles, Chen is said to be quite an optimistic person.
We genuinely hope that it all works out well for Chen, and a huge kudos to Chen’s neighbours who have gone above and beyond to care for her and have maintained our faith in humanity.
Also read: M’sian Spends Up to RM3k of Own Money a Month Caring for Strays, Here’s How You Can Help Her
