Old mums face wrath of addict children

GEORGE TOWN: Aged mothers often face the worst brunt of abuse when they say no to unemployed sons who ask them for money.

Women’s Centre for Change executive director Loh Cheng Kooi said such sons were usually addicted to alcohol, drugs or gambling.

“They turn to the aged mothers for money. But when the mothers try to put a stop to it, the sons have a tendency to turn violent.

“These women should realise that the violence will not stop unless they report the matter to the authorities,” Loh said.

Penang FoodBank4U president Wendy Ang and her team of Good Samaritans have seen such heart-wrenching exchanges when delivering donated food supplies to the needy.

Befrienders Penang vice-chairman Saras Pillay said they get many calls from the elderly who feel lonely and neglected.

“They feeling guilty at not being able to help their children since they can no longer contribute financially,” Saras added.

Senior Active Group of Elders chairman Chin Sek Ham, 75, said “old people can be grumpy to a point that the young ones cannot take it. So, there must be tolerance on both sides.”