Earlier this month, Malaysian philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng, affectionately known as Uncle Kentang, shared how he had donated money to an elderly woman to cover her grandson’s tuition fees. However, a netizen has since questioned Uncle Kentang’s decision to help, pointing out that the woman appears to live in a “nice house”.
Now, Uncle Kentang is responding.
A history of hard work vs current hardship
Taking to his Facebook page, he explained that the house was purchased years ago when the woman was still working and could afford the property. Since then, times have become incredibly difficult for her and her family.
He wrote:
“This Indian grandmother has a sick husband who requires nappies due to bowel movement difficulties. Her grandchildren are in Standard 1 and Standard 4.
“Although their home is beautiful, it was bought with money she earned while she was still working.”
Tragedy and family turmoil
Uncle Kentang further detailed the family’s tragic circumstances. Both grandparents are now 70 years old. The children’s mother died of cancer in 2020, and their father has a criminal record, having served five years in prison for the repeated abuse of the children’s mother.
“He was only released last month. However, he has already relapsed into drug use and crime, completely neglecting his children,” the philanthropist shared.
On top of these hardships, the grandmother has been unable to work for 10 years as she provides full-time care for her husband, and her life savings have long since been depleted.
Having money now doesn’t mean having money later
“Currently, they rely on RM300 per month from the Welfare Department and RM350 per month from the Selangor State Government for food. The grandfather’s nappies are provided by the Uncle Kentang Centre. A kind individual working in Singapore is sponsoring the grandchildren’s tuition fees until April of this year,” Uncle Kentang added.
Uncle Kentang went on to address those who criticised the woman based on her appearance without understanding the family’s reality.
“The house was bought through years of hard work, but now they struggle even to afford food,” he explained.
“Many families give up on education when they have nothing to eat, but these two grandparents refuse to do so. Even with foot pain, the grandmother walks slowly to our centre to collect nappies. Her resilience is something we should all learn from.”
Kuan chee heng
What do you think about the whole situation? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: “A life lesson” – Uncle Kentang Shares Heartbreak After a Woman He Sheltered Steals From His Home
