Siew Mun (not her real name), seven, has known only one mother-figure in her life: her maternal grandmother whom she affectionately calls “ammah”.
For 74-year-old Au Kee Hiot, this bond represents a journey of love and loss, as well as a strong determination to keep her granddaughter out of the social welfare system.
Au has raised Siew Mun since she was an infant, after her daughter died in an accident in 2022.
“I have six children, but for many years only my daughter lived with me,” she said.
Au said her daughter returned home pregnant in 2019.
After Siew Mun’s birth, her daughter worked two jobs as a security guard and kitchen helper.
“She wanted to provide for her child.
“I helped out by taking care of the baby day and night,” she said.
However, three years later, Au’s daughter died in an accident, leaving her to raise Siew Mun alone.
“Some people had advised me to place her in an orphanage or put her up for adoption, but I could not bear to do so,” she said.
“She views me as her mother. It is my duty to raise and educate her.
“Although I can no longer work, I can provide her a safe home,” she added.
Au said she did not know the identity of Siew Mun’s father whose name was not on the birth certificate, adding that her late daughter never spoke of him.
With all her late daughter’s savings having been spent, Au sought the state government’s help for housing and cash aid.
The state government provided Au and Siew Mun with a flat at the Public Housing Project (PPR) in Jalan Sungai.
The state also helped Au receive aid from both the Penang and Federal governments – a total of RM1,288 a month.
However, moving to a new home meant they have very few items in the house.
“We have clothes, a double- decker bed, but no fan, furniture or cooking appliances,” said Au.
When The Star visited them, Siew Mun was seen busy with her homework.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said Au’s case required urgent attention as she did not qualify for standard single-parent assistance, being the grandmother.
“In cases like this, we must look beyond technical definitions and consider the real situation.
“We want Siew Mun to stay with her grandmother for as long as possible,” he said.
Those wishing to assist Au and her granddaughter can contact Wong’s service centre at 04-299 2574 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
