Showing kindness to your neighbour can seem to be a simple act, but oftentimes it leaves a huge impact on the lives of those who received it.
A Malay family has recently warmed the hearts of Malaysians by taking care of their disabled neighbour for years after she lost all of her family members.
Lost her father and brother
Sin Chew Daily reported that 44-year-old Chen Lanfeng (transliteration) had lived with her father and brother at a rented unit at Krokop 1 in Miri, Sarawak for more than 10 years but was later wheelchair-bound after sustaining a spinal injury from a fall.
In 2020, Chen lost her father to heart disease, leaving her and her brother to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, her brother passed away in his sleep last month.
Taking pity on her situation, a Malay family decided to help Chen by buying food for her everyday to ensure that she never went hungry.
‘She’s like family to us’
One of the Malay neighbours told Sin Chew Daily that his family had known Chen’s family for over 10 years and had come to see her as one of their own.
“Whenever we deliver food to her, we would turn on the flashlight on our phones to tell her that it has arrived. Also, we’d buy four packs of non-spicy food for her everyday without accepting payment.
“In the past, she used to visit the neighbours and watch TV together but after she got injured, she couldn’t do so. Knowing that she loves to watch TV, all of us pooled some money and bought her a tablet and smartphone so that she could watch shows at home,” he said.
Fell behind on rent
The landlord told the Chinese daily that Chen’s father had rented the unit for RM600 a month. However, the arrears have accumulated following his passing and the Covid-19 pandemic, causing Chen to fall behind on rent.
“I don’t wish to evict her but I need the rental fee to support myself and I hope to renovate the unit before renting it out again. However, if anyone is willing to pay for Chen’s rent, I’m happy to let her continue to stay here,” he said.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) branch youth secretary councillor Leslie Lau, who was also present, said he will check whether Chen is eligible for the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS).
If she is, she will receive a rental allowance of RM200 every month for up to three years.
Kudos to the neighbors for being willing to take care of Chen in her time of need!
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