Cause for concern: Muhammad Kamil talking to Mohd Sapiee, while (below) Hanim shows the condition of their house in Kampung Batu 17, Padang Rengas. — Bernama
PADANG RENGAS: Repeated flooding over the past two decades has severely deteriorated the home of an elderly couple in Kampung Batu 17 here.
Hanim Azuar Mohd, 69, said their more than 40-year-old house has become increasingly unsafe.
Frequent overflows from a nearby stream have severely damaged the kitchen, causing leaky roofs and cracked walls.
Previous repairs, carried out with help from neighbours, have failed to hold up because the damage has worsened over time, she added.
Hanim, a mother of nine, said her husband Mohd Sapiee Kamarudin, 74, has suffered from chronic lung disease for 20 years and relies on continuous oxygen support, adding to the family’s difficulties.
She said the family has no fixed income, with monthly Baitulmal assistance largely spent on oxygen equipment.
Their children, she added, are also supporting their own families.
She made a heartfelt appeal for help, Bernama reported.
Political secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said the matter would be referred to the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department for further action, noting the house may need to be demolished and rebuilt.
Earlier, he presented cash assistance to the couple when visiting them under the Madani Ziarah Kasih programme for the Lubuk Merbau state constituency.
