A 14-year-old girl was admitted to hospital after attempting suicide, with her family currently on the brink of being evicted from their rented apartment in Old Klang Road.
The case was shared by Malaysian activist Kuan Chee Heng, also known as Uncle Kentang, on Facebook.
Struggling single mother unable to cope with expenses
According to his post, the girl’s 42-year-old mother is a single parent who has been struggling to keep up with rent despite working and earning RM2,500 a month.
However, the income has not been enough to cover the family’s living costs.
The family has been renting the unit for more than two years, as it is within walking distance to the children’s schools, allowing them to save on transportation.
Daughter allegedly attempted suicide to lessen burden
Uncle Kentang said the teenager had been deeply affected by her mother’s daily struggles.
She would walk to school and witness her mother’s hardship, which allegedly led her to attempt to take her own life in hopes of reducing the financial burden on the family.
She was later saved and is now under medical care.
Family situation worsened after father left
The mother is raising three children on her own after her husband reportedly left her for another woman, leaving her without financial support.
She has two sons, one of whom has just started working for two days, while another is still in school.
The eldest son is expected to start working to help support the family’s expenses.
Struggles extend to daily meals
Uncle Kentang also recounted bringing the mother to a grocery store, where she initially insisted she had enough.
However, once inside, she only picked up a packet of rice until he urged her to also take vegetables and fruits.
When asked how often her children get a proper meal, she reportedly lowered her head and said they do not.
RM2,000 needed to avoid eviction
The family currently owes about RM1,000 in outstanding rent and needs another RM1,000 for the current month, bringing the total to RM2,000.
Uncle Kentang said the funds would help the mother stabilise her situation, especially after she recently secured a new job.
He added that her previous employer had let her go after she took time off to care for her daughter following the incident.
Public urged to contribute
Those who wish to help can contribute via the following:
CIMB: 8010624732
Pertubuhan Amal Uncle Kentang Malaysia (Teratai Rent)
Touch ‘n Go: 018 2683999
Donors are encouraged to send their receipts to 018 2683999. Members of the public may also contact the same number if they wish to meet the mother in person.
Here is the post:
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