WAITING FOR A FAMILIAR FACE
Residents hope to celebrate holidays with family, friends
FROM the look on their faces, all 23 residents of the Seri Permai Old Folks Home in Taman Tas here have a story to tell. They are waiting for a familiar face to show up at the doorstep and take them home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
However, after waiting in vain over the years, many have accepted the fact that they will spend the holidays at the premises.
Some male residents, aged between 55 and 89, were sent by family members who promised to drop by regularly or bring them home during the festive season.
But, it is obviously easier said than done. Former food stall operator Abdul Razak Kecik, 57, said his nephew sent him to the home last year.
“My siblings have their own families and I felt out of place. Since then, no one has come to visit. This year, I have decided to spend my Hari Raya with my friends here.”
With tears rolling down his cheeks, Razak, from Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, said he had to close shop after suffering a stroke. He later stayed with his brother in Ulu Yam, Selangor.
“Despite my health condition, I stayed in a small hut alone and cooked my own food. My nephew pitied me and brought me here. I miss the days when I used to celebrate Hari Raya with my mother, siblings and friends. But, my life is centred on this home now.”
Razak said there were times when he felt lonely, but he enjoyed the companionship at the home and described it as “lively”, especially during breaking of fast as many well-wishers dropped by to join them.
Former plantation worker Sabri Harun, 60, said he was living at a mosque when the Welfare Department picked him up and brought him to the home two years ago.
“The management contacted my family in Kedah, but none of them turned up. I try to help around. In fact, we have been doing some decorations for Hari Raya,” he said, pointing to some colourful woven ketupat.
The home’s manager, Mohamad Fauzi Ramli, said some residents were those sent to hospitals by their children, who failed to pick them up.
“Some families I contacted gave excuses, including not having time or having returned to (their) hometowns. We can only inform the families, but it is sad that many do not make an effort to visit.
“The elderly here are like children. They love fireworks, brightly-lit pelita raya (festive lamps), to eat cookies and decorate the home. This year, they all got new Raya clothes, which were sponsored.”