Damaged home gets spruced up

The Star News : Monday September 28, 2009

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/9/28/north/4793408&sec=north

A DILAPIDATED house belonging to a poor family in Sama Gagah in Permatang Pasir was given a new look by a team from the MCA Crisis Relief Squad Malaysia (CRSM).

This brought a smile to Lim Seong In, 79, who stays there with his wife Law Ah Kam, 61, and son Li Heng, 40, who both have mental problems.

The team which was led by Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun cleaned the house and fixed the broken windows during a two-hour gotong royong.

Chew, who is Wanita MCA head, also gave the family RM600.

(from right) Chew, Permatang Pauh MCA chief Datuk Ma Kok Ben and Lim watching CRSM Penang chief Ooi Siew Kok fixing a broken window pane.

Chew said Lim’s home was among three dilapidated houses she visited during the Permatang Pasir by-election last month,

“During that earlier visit, I promised to give Lim some money. Later, I realised that it would be better if we spruced up the house since their living conditions are bad,” she said.

Lim said most of the window panes were were broken by his son during his mood swings.

“I can’t afford to fix them so I used wooden planks to cover up the gaping holes,” he said.

Chew said the two other houses in bad condition were occupied by a disabled person and a family of five.

She said the occupants needed about RM6,000 to repair the leaking roofs.

“The father of the family of five was once a construction worker but he is jobless now.

“We will supply him with materials and pay him RM80 daily to repair all the three houses,” she said.

Chew urged the public who wished to help the families or those who wanted to supply building materials to contact Penang CRSM chief Ooi Siaw Kok at 012-4312567.

Earlier, Chew was approached by a couple who came with their son who was suffering from mental illness to ask for help.

Chin Yit Thai, 66, said he applied for aid from the Social Welfare Department about 18 months ago but had yet to receive a reply.

“I used to be an odd-job worker but I had to quit when my legs began to wobble due to old age.

“I had to borrow money to pay my son’s medical bill,” he said.

Chew asked Chin to inform the Permatang Pauh MCA division if the aid was not given in a month’s time.