Senior citizen lived alone in M'sian jungle for 30 YEARS

KUALA LUMPUR - Amidst the rapid development in the national capital, here, the plight of an old man living in a patch of jungle in Wangsa Melawati, for the past 30 years, is easily overlooked.

Mohamad Dris, 74, or Uncle Mohamad, said he lived alone in the jungle, behind the Damaisari housing area, as he could not afford to rent a house after losing his rubber tapping job in the area, which was originally a rubber plantation.

"I am too old to work, and worse, I have diabetes. I have to be careful with what I eat, as I fear it will worsen," he told Bernama at his hut in the tiny jungle.

Mohamad, who had never married, said he did not like to seek sympathy from others but tried to continue his life alone.

The dilapidated hut, which he built in 1980 by using discarded planks and zinc, is now rotting and contains a wooden bunk he made himself, covered with a mat for him to sleep on. In fact, he has never enjoyed facilities such as electricity and water since staying at the hut.

Meanwhile, Wangsa Maju Police Station deputy chief, Sergeant Jasman Aris, who was met by Bernama said police found the old man when conducting Operation 'Santa' on Christmas eve on Dec 25.

"We received complaints from local residents about a hut in a small jungle behind the Damaisari Housing in Desa Melawati. They were worried the hut could be used as a den for criminal activities. Narrating the experience, Jasman said police raided the hut at 1am. Their arrival was greeted by the sounds of dogs barking.

Then a weak old man wearing a worn out sarong and shirtless emerged from the hut.

"We felt sad looking at the old man's situation. A policeman quickly bought food and he shed tears as he was overwhelmed by the gesture.

"He then broke into a smile and said he could not eat rice and consume sweet drinks as he had diabetes," he said.

Jasman said he beamed and happily accepted when a policeman bought him bread and mineral water.

"We take turns sending bread and water to Uncle Mohamad as we sympathise with his condition, pending welfare aid," he said.

He said the Wangsa Maju Police Station had notified the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council Baitulmal, and endeavoured to find a more comfortable home for him.

"We, at the Wangsa Maju Police Station, hope Uncle Mohamad gets support and aid from Baitulmal and surrounding residents to change his future," he said.

Mohamad's life is definitely changing for the better after the police stumbled upon him.

"I want to thank the policemen at the Wangsa Maju Police Station for sending food everyday to me.

"Now, I don't have to worry where my next meal will be coming from. I am overwhelmed at the concern they showed me, and their determination in helping me. I have no intention of imposing on them," he added. – Bernama