‘He is like a brother to me’
Impoverished woman cares for neighbour despite her ill health
KUANTAN: Having a tough time making ends meet has not stopped a kind woman from giving refuge to a destitute neighbour in her humble home.
M. Kamala, 71, has been sheltering Yap Su Vun, 87, at her rented house in Jalan Kubang Buaya here for the past five months.
The two had been neighbours for years before they lost touch with each other.
“We were neighbours for 20 years until our homes were demolished about eight years ago. I moved around until I ended up here while Yap went to live in Jalan Haji Ahmad.
“But since Yap is getting on in age, I thought it is better for him to come stay with me so I can look after him. He can barely walk these days,” Kamala said.
Yap never married and his brothers have passed on. He used to take care of her grandchildren when she was out working odd jobs. Thus, she felt that it was only right for her to repay his kindness, now that he was all alone, she said.
Kamala’s grandsons R. Thinagaran, 23, and R. Saravanan, 21, would often drop in to check on them.
“Yap misses my grandchildren and would often ask me their whereabouts. My grandsons would come and stay here often and help out,” she said.
Kamala said Thinagaran had been helping them out despite suffering a severe leg fracture in a road accident three years ago.
It was only recently that he found a job. She receives RM350 in monthly aid from the Welfare Department.
Yap, however, does not qualify for the aid as he holds a red identity card.
“I would work if I could but I suffer from asthma and terrible eyesight. It is a bit tough living with what little money we have but I will not abandon Yap.
“People may gossip but I don’t care. I also do not think about race at all. He is like a brother to me,” said Kamala.
Semambu assemblyman Lee Chean Chung’s special officer Chan Chun Kuang visited Kamala recently and said he would help in raising funds to assist them.
Those who wish to contribute daily necessities to Kamala and Yap may contact Lee’s service centre at No. 1, Lorong Sekilau 58, Jalan Haji Ahmad, 25300 Kuantan.