By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The home of this family of three in Jalan Leo Star Park, Kampung Simee, was built with used wood and planks they slowly collected over time.
This modest shelter has housed Mokmein Jabar, 75, his wife Norliah Idris, 68, and their son Azelan, 46, for over 40 years—even though the land it sits on does not belong to them.
Another son lives nearby and works as a construction laborer.
What makes their situation heartbreaking is that Mokmein has lost both legs due to complications from diabetes, while their son is mute and has been disabled since birth.
Norliah, meanwhile, has impaired vision in her left eye and urgently needs cataract treatment.
According to Mokmein, he previously worked as a security guard for 24 years but does not receive a pension.
“My legs started developing wounds, and they had to be amputated in 2005, a year after I stopped working due to age,” he said.
“Six years ago, my left leg was amputated above the thigh, and recently my right leg was also removed because of chronic diabetes.
“I have no pension or savings and rely entirely on monthly aid of RM300 from the Welfare Department (JKM) and some help from Baitulmal, but it’s not enough,” he said.
Though the house, which Mokmein built himself when he was still healthy, is rundown, it provides them with basic shelter.
Norliah shared that she hopes for an indoor seated toilet to ease her husband’s difficulties as he now depends on a wheelchair.
“Our toilet is outside, and it’s the squatting type, which is difficult for him to use.
“Thankfully, our son can push his wheelchair and lift him to relieve himself in a special container, but even that is only done in front of the toilet door because of his amputated legs,” she said.
Despite receiving monthly assistance from JKM, it’s not enough to cover their daily needs or medications.
In short, they survive on whatever they have—meals usually consist of rice with salted fish and tapioca leaves picked from around the house.
“If we don’t have enough money, we just eat whatever’s available. Fish and chicken are rare treats—we simply can’t afford them.
“The three of us live here on someone else’s land, which can be taken back at any time.
“I don’t work, and our disabled son, who is mute, also can’t work. He gets RM400 per month from JKM. Our other son is not in a position to help.
“When we combine my husband and son’s aid, it totals RM700—that’s all we have for food, medicine, and other necessities. Even meals have to be rationed.
“We hope the JKM aid can be increased a little, as it’s really not enough to survive.
“Sometimes, neighbors will pay a small fee if we help water their plants or check on their houses, as many of them live outside of Perak,” she said.
Those who wish to offer assistance can contact Norliah at 011-3788 3841 or donate to her Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account: 0810741000033687 (Norliah binti Idris).
