Imagine the fear and anxiety of having to find a new place to stay but having no money. Now, add the fact that you’re elderly and can barely move on your own. Oh, and you also have a family to take care of. Sounds like a nightmare situation, right?
Well, thankfully, there are Malaysians who are ready to assist around every corner.
Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong took to his Twitter page to showcase how he had managed to put a roof over the heads of an elderly couple and their differently-abled child, after they were forced to move out of their dilapidated home.
He wrote, “85-year-old Uncle Chu lives with his wife, 75-year-old Ah Hua and 35-year-old differently-abled child. Recently, the landlord of their rented home told Uncle that he will not continue with the rental.”
“Uncle has lived in this dilapidated house for over 70 years, his heart felt heavy but his pocket was even heavier to move. His old age savings had long dried up.”
Sim initially offered to restore the dilapidated house, but when the landlord refused, he quickly found a new solution.
“Originally, I offered to repair or renovate the house on the condition that Uncle was allowed to stay there. But, the landlord refused. Uncle had to move.”
“Fortunately, the Penang island state government has a housing program for the underprivileged. I called Exco YB Jagdeep Singh and requested for a house. Immediately, YB said okay,” he explained.
But wait, this story gets better.
Sim still needed assistance in moving Uncle’s family and items to their new home, and someone who he had previously helped came through!
“I called Kak Ina (Do you still remember her? She is the one who I helped by upgrading her flower delivery van). It has been a while since I last met her but she immediately said okay. I asked her how much? Kak Ina said ‘free!’.”
“Kak Ina told me that her income now is more than RM4,000 a month. Before this, to even get RM800 was a struggle. She wants to help others too now,” he added.
So, with Kak Ina helping with the move, the underprivileged family quickly settled into their new home.
“Uncle Ah Chu felt very happy to receive a new home. Now, him and his family are comfortable after feeling depressed and gloomy thinking of their fate when they were evicted from their rental home. Malaysia Madani means the people, no matter their race or religion, will be protected. The welfare of the people are given the priority,” he shared.
It’s truly heartwarming to see how delighted Uncle Ah Chu is with his new home.
Kudos, to everyone who assisted him and his family!
Also read: Former Homeless M’sian Gifts Durian to Soup Kitchen After Getting His First Salary