IT was a dream come true for single mother Fatimah Harun, 69, as she will be receiving a new house soon – courtesy of the Penang government.
Fatimah, a part-time Quran teacher, has been living at her late brother’s house in Kampung Permatang Tok Gelam, Teluk Air Tawar with the latter”s family members for the past seven years.
Previously, she was living in her dilapidated house in the same village for more than 30 years. She was then asked to leave by the landlord as the old house was built on a private land.
“I am grateful to the Penang government for building a new house for me.
“It was my dream all this time to have a better and more comfortable house since I live alone and don’t have any children.
“The current house is quite small and my late brother’s family members are also staying here with me.
“So, it is a dream come true for me to have my own house as there won’t be a need to bother my other family members anymore.
“Thus, I would like to express my utmost appreciation and gratitude to the Penang government and its agency involved in building me a new house,” Fatimah told Buletin Mutiara when met at the construction site of the new house today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who had earlier visited the site, said the construction works were expected to be completed by September this year.
“The housing scheme is under the ‘Program Bina Baru Rumah Rakyat Termiskin’.
“The programme is part of the components of ‘Special Economic Project’ (Projek Khas Ekonomi) to help the underprivileged own a house.
“The construction started in May this year and the expected cost is RM55,000.
“The new house is located in the same village that Fatimah is staying in now and it will be equipped with three bedrooms, a bathroom, a living hall and a kitchen.
“As a caring state government, we will do everything we can within our capacity to help the needy.
“It is hoped that Fatimah will finally have a sense of pride and peace of mind when she moves into her new house,” Chow said.
Also present during the site visit were Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Datuk Mustafa Kamal Ahmad, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who is also Chow’s political secretary, Chief Minister’s special coordinating officer Lay Hock Peng and Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud