Project restores dignity to struggling family of four
SEREMBAN: The sight of dark clouds or even the faintest hint of rain was enough to unsettle Razin Akis and his wife, Lily Stella Hamid, who used to live with their two young children in a dilapidated bamboo hut in Kg Sebir near here.
The Orang Asli couple would quickly gather rusted pots and pails as their thatched roof, which had deteriorated over the years, leaked even during light drizzles and render the shelter uninhabitable.
Razin, 29, a gardener, said that when it poured, the family had no choice but to dash to Lily Stella’s parents’ house next door.
“Otherwise, we would huddle together in a corner of our home until the rain stopped.”
Those anxious days are now over, as the young family can remain safely indoors regardless of the weather, thanks to IJM Land, which built them a new house on the site of their former hut.
“This year’s Christmas will be much happier for my family and me in our new, beautiful home.
“We no longer worry about the rain or centipedes and can finally sleep well,” he said, adding that their elder child is three years old while the younger one is seven months.
Lily Stella, 24, a childcare worker, said the developer initially planned to renovate their home but later decided it was beyond repair.
“We did not even have electricity as we could not afford to apply for it.
“We are deeply grateful to IJM Land for building us a new house, as this was something we could never afford on our own.”
She added that her husband’s two younger sisters, who previously lived with her parents in the same village can now move into the new two-room house, which has enough space for everyone.
IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Chai Kian Soon said the initiative was part of the developer’s myHome “Connecting Lives, Shaping Futures” corporate social responsibility programme.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Seremban 2, we wanted to do more than just look back at our achievements. We wanted to honour the communities that make this township meaningful.
“The Orang Asli community has deep roots here, and it is important that our support reaches them too.”
Chai said the house, which cost about RM80,000, features modern amenities such as a secure roofing system, reinforced structure, quality paintwork and tiled flooring, and was built with the support of the company’s partners and suppliers.
The home was also furnished with essential electrical and household items and furniture.
Chai said since its inception in 2010, the myHome programme has benefited 16 multiracial families in the state and the beneficiaries continue to receive support through annual festive engagements.
“This initiative is not just about providing shelter; it is about restoring hope, dignity and opportunity for families facing challenging circumstances,” he said, adding that the programme is also implemented in other states.
Village headman Tok Batin Ajis Genchip thanked IJM land for the gesture.
“We have about 50 Orang Asli families living in this village and we hope IJM Land will come back again to help build more comfortable homes for others.”
