Penang family which slept in corridor on Xmas Day gets flat for free

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Umiyati receiving the keys to the flat from Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng.

GEORGE TOWN: A family of four forced to spend Christmas night in the narrow corridor of their flat after being evicted can now heave a sigh of relief as a generous man has come forward to offer his unoccupied flat at the next block at the Rifle Range Flats for free.

The offer came after the sad story of Looi Say Chye, 52, and his family came to light, following their eviction for failing to pay RM900 in three months’ rent.

A businessman who wanted to be known only as Khor, 52, read about the family’s plight and offered them his flat in Block D.

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The new flat where Looi Say Chye and his family will stay.

The publicity-shy man had contacted Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng’s service centre and sent his friend, named Albert, to hand over the keys to the family this afternoon.

Albert said Looi need not pay any rent for a year or two until he had found a proper job.

“Khor hopes the man can find a job to feed his children.

“He will accept any amount of money as rent after a year or two. Basically, Looi can pay how much he can afford,” Albert said.

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A view inside the new place. Rifle Range Flat JKKK members will help the family clean up the flat.

Looi’s wife Umyati, 43, and children Ah Boy, 6, and Cindy, 8, were excited to hear the news and followed an entourage led by Cheah to their new home.

© Provided by MToday News Sdn Bhd Looi Say Chye's youngest, Ah Boy, jumping in joy on the mattress at the new flat.

Looi Say Chye’s youngest, Ah Boy, jumping in joy on the mattress at the new flat.

“I am happy that I finally can stay somewhere. I was worried about my children’s health as sleeping outside in the corridor is not good,” Umyati said when met by reporters.

Their new flat is identical in size and has minimal furnishing. It requires some cleaning as it has not been used for almost a year.

The 17th-floor unit also offers a commanding view of Penang Hill and is comparatively cleaner than their previous unit.

There is no electricity supply connected to the unit yet, but after being alerted by FMT, Penang TNB general manager Lim Yew Soon said he would expedite the power connection.

Earlier in the day, many concerned Penangites paid Looi a visit at his makeshift home in the corridor of Level 5, Block F.

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The generous flat owner’s friend, Albert, invites the family to their new home.

Southwest district penghulu (development) Nur Afnan Zakaria and a state Welfare Department team were seen interviewing Looi and his wife.

People from all walks of life, including the welfare wing of new political party Malaysian United Party (MUP), Gerakan members and others swarmed the corridor, bringing food and consoling Looi and his wife.

Gerakan’s Ooi Zhi Yi told Looi there was a man willing to pay an entire year’s rent for the unit from which he was evicted.

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Gerakan’s Ooi Zhi Yi (right) and Malaysian United Party’s Wu Kai Ming (centre) with Looi Say Chye.

Looi however said this was no longer possible as the owner wanted to rent it out to someone else.

MUP’s Wu Kai Min meanwhile offered Looi and his family a place to stay at on Perak Road, as a kind man had offered his empty home there for use. Wu had also brought a lorry to transport the family’s belongings. Looi said he would think about it.

© Provided by MToday News Sdn Bhd Ah Boy and Cindy are all smiles after visiting the new home.

Ah Boy and Cindy are all smiles after visiting the new home.

Residents at nearby units who were apparently unaware of his plight earlier also came to wish him well and give him some money.

Cheah handed over to Looi a RM300 contribution from the state Welfare Department.

Cheah also said Looi’s wife and two children had spent last night at his office at the Rifle Range Village Security Development Committee (JKKK) building.

He said Looi stayed at the corridor to keep an eye on his belongings there.

“Our paramount concern is Looi’s children. We are examining how we can help Looi’s family further. We need to assess why they are going through this problem.

“As for donations to Looi, we would like to stress that we need to assess the situation to sum up how much they really need.

“For the time being, it is best that all donations are channelled to the Rifle Range JKKK account for transparency,” Cheah said.

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Well-wishers visiting the Looi family to offer assistance this morning.

Those interested in donating to Looi’s family can do so by banking in to “JKKK Padang Tembak” at Maybank account number 5071 2514 8133 and emailing their details to kebunbunga24@gmail.com.

For more details, contact Rifle Range JKKK chairman Loh Eng Kim at 012-488-6970.