Syed Saddiq opens up own home to senior citizen living in squalor

 

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has opened up his home temporarily for one of his constituents who has been living in squalor.

Taking to Facebook, Saddiq said the 59-year-old known as Pakcik Hashim, had been living in a ramshackle wooden house for the past six months.

"When I arrived (at his home) at 4pm, I was quite sad [...] there are some still living in such dilapidated houses in 2021.

"It is my responsibility to look after Hashim's welfare [...] so I and the Muar parliamentary office helped pack up Hashim's clothes and brought him to stay at my house in Parit Unas for a while," he said.

He also bought Hashim a new bicycle and bought a cake to mark the senior citizen's 59th birthday yesterday.

Saddiq explained that the senior citizen currently received RM300 per month from the Social Welfare Department as he is unable to work.

He was also is still waiting for aid from the Rural Development Ministry and the Baitulmal aid agency.

"I plead with the ministry to approve his application to build a new home on inherited land through the Hardcore Poor Housing Project (PPRT)," he said.

In the meantime, Saddiq said he will look for a rented home for Hashim to move into.

He hopes to fund the rental amount as well as the 59-year-old's living expenses through crowdfunding.

"I apologise because what I can afford as an MP is very limited. The allocation for the Muar constituency was cut from RM3.8 million to RM100,000 per year.

"I will help with what I can, but it's very limited," he said.

Those who wish to contribute can find further details on Saddiq's Facebook page.

 - Mkini