THE Public Housing Project (PPR) unit in Jalan Sungai, Penang rented by Au Kee Hiot, 74, and her seven-year-old granddaughter, Siew Mun (not her real name) used to be a little more than a promise – white walls, a roof and hope.
But it all changed when Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng visited the unit, bearing good things.
Together with his two political aides and Sim Mee Wan, aide to Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, Wong coordinated and delivered a full set of furnishings to transform the modest three-room flat into a liveable home.
As boxes were carried in and appliances positioned against freshly wiped walls, Au stood near the doorway, watching the once-bare living room fill up.
“I’m already happy with a home. I didn’t think you would give so much more,” she said.
Moments later, as a dining table was set in place and a wall fan whirred to life for the first time beside a stack of food and supplies, she added, “I can finally smile.”
Siew Mun was not at home during the visit, but her presence was unmistakable.
The study table and chair meant for her had just been brought in and were waiting to be assembled, with a second-hand tablet set aside for her schoolwork.
The kitchen, once empty, has a refrigerator, rice cooker and water dispenser.
Also delivered were a washing machine, TV set, standing fan, pillows, bags, daily necessities and rations.
Cupboards and shelves were expected to arrive soon.
“These are all given by donors and sponsors through our government service centres.
“The government provides the house; the community builds the home,” Wong said
“Today, besides furnishing and upgrading the home, we want to thank all donors who showed that there is compassion in the world,” he added.
Au’s case was highlighted in StarMetro last month, with Wong urging the public to help.
But he said assistance should be channelled properly to ensure it reached those in genuine need.
“A lot of times, help doesn’t reach the right people.
“We need to go through the correct channels,” he said while welcoming the public to continue supporting disadvantaged families through official avenues.
While contributions for Au’s case were now closed, Wong said many others remain in need.
He added that this was a special case befitting direct intervention because it involved a grandmother raising her granddaughter.
“Single parents can receive aid under existing programmes.
“But single grandparents often fall outside those definitions.
“If the grandmother cannot take care of the child, the child may end up in an orphanage.
“Children should always grow under a family’s care. This is better than putting them in an institution,” he said.
Prior to moving into the PPR unit, Au had been renting a place that cost RM700 a month – a heavy burden on her limited means.
Rental for the new flat unit is just RM100, which is fully covered by a good Samaritan who had stepped forward to sponsor it long-term.
Another donor offered to provide transportation for her granddaughter to and from school.
In addition, Wong’s office had earlier helped secure RM1,288 in monthly assistance from the Penang and Federal Governments for the duo.
He also advised Au to make full use of the allowance for her well-being.
“You don’t need to save all this food until it spoils. You can use the government allowance to eat.
“Move forward with a healthier lifestyle,” he told her.
