Power of loving kindness

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/8/17/north/11871828&sec=north

Power of loving kindness

By CHRISTOPHER TAN
christan@thestar.com.my Photos by NG AH BAK

 Jamilah carrying Mohd Daniel Ashraf Rosli, two, a child under her care, as she switches on the light at her house in Sungai Nibong Kechil

 Yim (right), Roslan Mohamed (in red) and Tan, P.A. to Goh (left) chatting with Che Noh Ishak, who is trying out his new wheelchair. With them is Che Noh's elder brother Jamil Ishak, 67.

TWO families of 14 people in Penang can now celebrate a brighter Hari Raya Aidilfitri after living without electricity for three months.

Housewife Jamilah Poi, 46, said the electricity supply was cut in May after they were unable to settle the bills amounting to RM2,750.85.

“My husband Abdullah Chik, 48, suffered a heart attack about a year ago and had to quit his job as a lorry driver.

“He could no longer do hard labour as it would strain his heart. He now works as an apartment security guard,” she said.

The couple have five children, three of whom are still schooling.

Jamilah said the family was grateful to have electricity to celebrate the coming Hari Raya.

She thanked the contributors for helpin the family settle part of the debt, bringing back power supply to the house in Sungai Nibong Kechil in Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

Living with them are Jamilah’s brother Zakaria Poi, 50, who is disabled, and six members of Zakaria’s family.

Zakaria met with an accident in 1985 and injured his back, and he has difficulty walking. He has since been helping out at a coffeeshop.

Batu Uban Barisan Nasional coordinator Goh Kheng Sneah, the Bayan Baru Welfare Association and the Sungai Nibong Kecil Federal Village Security and Development Committee (JKKKP) contributed a total of RM1,500 to help settle part of the debt.

Penang Barisan Nasional chairman Teng Chang Yeow’s special officer David Yim Boon Leong said the remaining RM1,250.85 would be paid off in monthly instalments.

“The family will have to pay only about RM200 per month, including the current usage of electricity, for a year to settle the bill,” said Yim after visiting the family at their home yesterday.

The electricity was reconnected on Monday.

Yim also visited retired casual worker Che Noh Ishak, 65, who suffers from arthritis on his hands and legs, in the same village.

Che Noh said he has been suffering from the illness since he retired at the age of 56.

His wife Rahmah Othman, 56, a helper at a kindergarten, said Che Noh earlier relied on a wide-base walking stick for mobility but his situation became worse recently and he had to use a walker.

Yim presented Che Noh with a wheelchair and Hari Raya gifts to the family.

Also present was Sungai Nibong Kechil JKKKP chairman Roslan Mohamed.