Switch on: Datuk Ti Lian Ker (third left), Andy Chiew (fourth left) and Ngoh Tian Meng (second left) visiting the couple at their house

Saturday August 7, 2010

Water and electricity at last

KUANTAN: For the last five years, a family of eight lived on borrowed electricity and water from neighbours at an orang asli settlement in Inderapura.

Finally, with the help of the Kuantan MCA division, the family got their own utilities supply.

Kuantan MCA division chief Datuk Ti Lian Ker said, the utility supply to the home of odd-job labourer Chen Giok Yong, 34, and his wife Selvi @ Liow Sook Fen, 30, was connected last week.

“The cost of connection amounting to RM4,000 was borne by the Kuantan MCA after their predicament came to light in February this year.
“We have submitted applications to the state Welfare Department for financial assistance to lessen the burden of the family,” he said

Ti paid them a visit, accompanied by the division’s youth chief Andy Chiew and Kampung Jawa MCA branch chairman Ngoh Tian Meng.

Ti said they would continue to monitor the family’s progress, particularly the six siblings, aged between three and 11, two of whom are sick.

The eldest girl was diagnosed with a minor growth in the brain and serious skin diseases while the youngest boy contracted Hepatitis C.

“Both are required to go to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for regular treatments,” he said, adding that the couple had not requested for any public assistance and preferred to support themselves.

“I was taken aback when the couple said they would pay for the monthly bills on their own since they secured a permanent job.

“I am proud of their attitude in not seeking public aid despite their predicament,” he said
The couple only requested assistance to pay to reconnect their utilities supply to their dilapidated wooden house.

“I believe there are still many hardcore poor families living in our vicinity and I urged all relevant agencies and representatives to go to the ground, to locate and highlight their predicament,” he said.

Water and electricity at last by Dato' Ti Lian Ker