By Aida Aziz
Photo by Balqis Jazimah Zahari
IPOH: Half of her life has been spent helping those who are less fortunate and unable to afford a better life.
Now, it is Wan Noorashikin Noran’s turn affectionately known as Mama Puteri to face hardship after her home in Kampung Kuang Tengah, Chemor, which had long been her shelter, was recently broken into by irresponsible individuals.
What makes it even more heartbreaking is that many valuable items, including oxygen machines that she kept to lend out for free to bedridden patients, were stolen causing losses amounting to about RM10,000.
Noorashikin, 50, who is also the Chairperson of Pertubuhan Puteri Kebajikan Negeri Perak, told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic that she is now at a loss and has no proper shelter, as her inherited family home more than 40 years old is on the verge of collapse and beyond repair.
“I’m not sure when the break-in happened because I was in Mecca on duty, managing the Rumah Ngaji (Quran learning center) there.
“When I came back recently, I found that the house had been broken into and everything was rummaged through and scattered.
“The wires and cables were stolen too, so there’s no electricity.Many of the charity items used to help people including two oxygen machines were taken, and even the broken one had its metal parts stripped.
“The air-conditioner and other belongings were also stolen,” she said.
Amid the chaos, she also recounted the strange presence of a 25-year-old man found in the house when her family discovered the break-in.
“I was coming from my son’s house and asked him to go ahead to our home first to switch on the lights and check things, as usual.
“When he arrived, he saw a motorcycle parked behind the house and found the front door locked from the inside.
“It turned out a man was inside. When asked, he said he was from Sarawak, had no relatives in Peninsular Malaysia, had been fired from a factory job, and just needed a place to sleep.
“He said he thought the house was abandoned because everything was already in disarray when he arrived,” she explained
Out of sympathy and believing the man’s story that he wasn’t responsible for the break-in, Noorashikin brought him to Anjung Singgah, a welfare shelter.
“The village head asked whether we should report him to the police, but I said no. Whether or not he was the one who broke in that’s between him and God,” she added.
She admitted that her life is far from luxurious, contrary to what many might assume.
“People think that because I’m involved in NGO work and helping the poor, I must be well-off. But the truth is, I live day to day with just enough to eat.
“The aid and donations we give out mostly come from friends and our close circle. We rarely seek public funds unless it’s absolutely necessary,” she said.
Her hope now is that someone kind-hearted might help her rebuild a small home on the same site, simple, as long as she has a roof over her head and can continue her charity work.
Her friend and fellow NGO member, Martina Jasmine Mustafa, 57, who is a retired government servant, also appealed for help on Noorashikin’s behalf.
“She has helped so many people despite facing hardships and even insults along the way.I’ve joined her in welfare work for years she’s not from a wealthy background.
“Her whole life revolves around helping others even though she doesn’t have much herself.She has no proper place to stay, and her children are just starting out with limited income. I hope the relevant authorities or kind individuals can help her build a small house,” she said.
Those who wish to help can contact Noorashikin at 012-509 2557.
