JOHOR BARU: The plight of Suliati Sulaiman and her seven children in Yong Peng has touched many of the kind-hearted here, who have been helping the family with groceries and cash.
The family had been fending for itself after the arrest of its sole breadwinner about a month ago for overstaying.
Suliati’s husband, an Indonesian, is now serving a four-month jail term in Kluang and will be deported to Indonesia after that.
“With his arrest and sentencing, we lost our only source of income. I cannot go to work because my children are still very young – my youngest is just a year old,” she said when contacted.
Suliati said she had been informed that her 43-year-old husband, an odd-job worker, would be deported and not allowed to return to Malaysia for three years.
“Thankfully, I have kind neighbours who help put food on the table for us. They bring us groceries and also help out with some cash,” she said.
The family’s plight was highlighted on social media by Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, who is Yong Peng assemblyman and MCA Youth chief.
A week before Hari Raya, Ling brought some festive cheer to Suliati and her children with a visit to their home bearing festive goodies.
“He took us out to buy new clothes for Hari Raya and this made my children very happy. I am grateful to YB Ling,” said Suliati, who is a Malaysian.
The state exco member said he learnt of Suliati’s hardship during his customary Ramadan constituency walkabouts.
“This year, I visited more than 50 homes and Suliati’s was one of them. The house she rents for RM150 a month does not even have water and power supply,” he added.
Ling said he had informed the state Welfare Department of the matter and pledged to look for a proper home for the family.
