Human Writes: Helping those hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia


A group of volunteers (in white shirts) handing out food to foreign construction workers in George Town, Penang, in April 2020. Daily wage earners like construction workers who could not work during Malaysia's lockdown period had to depend on handouts to survive. Foreign workers had it especially hard as they are not eligible for government aid. — MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star

She was only 18 and struggling to survive in Kelantan. Her mother had died, her father had lost his job and there were two younger sisters. She got help to pay the rent, but then the landlord asked for an extra RM1,000 even though they had previously agreed it would be paid in two weeks. He wanted to buy a cow to slaughter for korban (sacrifice) for the villagers for the upcoming Hari Raya Haji festival on July 31, 2020.

“When she refused to pay, he wanted to kick the family out. I had to find the money in two days, ” says Datuk Dr Hartini Zainuddin, founder of Yayasan Chow Kit, a crisis and drop-in centre for children that provides a range of services, including legal, financial, educational and counselling services.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Mangai Balasegaram , Covid-19 , economy , poverty

Next In Living

California garage transformed into a serene Kyoto-style tiny home
Global warming makes French reservoir a winter resort for migrating cranes
Architects race to save historic buildings in Senegal capital
When it comes to mating among dancer flies, it is all about trickery
Hong Kong scientists are fighting to save fragrant incense trees
Saving deer from tourist trash in Japan's Nara
Over 100 bird species recorded in Seberang Perai forest reserves
Contradictheory: Degrees open doors, skills keep them open
Why music makes us move, even when we don’t like it
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Top-ranked dog took care of business

Others Also Read