By NURUL SHIMA SHAHMINON
BINTULU: The excitement on the face of a senior citizen from Kampung Jepak Hulu here is obvious as her wish for a house to replace her dilapidated 40-year old one is about to materialise.
On March 12, the New Sarawak Tribune had highlighted the 62-year-old scrap collector’s plea for assistance to build a simple house where she could feel safe.
Her prayer was answered when Bintulu MP Datuk Sri Tiong King Sing donated and covered the expenses for the construction of her new house.
Rokaiyah Ramlee, 62, had stated that she couldn’t afford to build a new house because she only earns a living by collecting iron scraps and cans to be sold to the scrap collector who buys used items on his rounds in a lorry.
“Apart from collecting scraps and cans, I received RM200 monthly from the Social Welfare Department,” she said.
“I could only thank the Bintulu MP and Kpg Jepak Hulu community leader Ahmad Bakar who forwarded my request to the Bintulu MP Service Department for further action,” she added.
The senior citizen has been living alone at the house inherited from her parents. She had to stay in the dilapidated house which is 40 years old.
Work on Rokaiyah’s new house is being carried out on a gotong royong basis (group work) involving villagers and non-governmental organisation. The house is expected to be completed in 10 days.
Earlier story: Old woman with rickety old house appeals for help
