Rumah Bonda sues for use of its shelter

 

Rumah Bonda chairman, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali said the home had to pay monthly rent of RM2,800 even though it was closed by the welfare department. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The welfare organisation known as Rumah Bonda has filed a suit seeking a court order to reopen its shelter in Taman Setapak.

The suit was filed by the home’s chairman, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, on behalf of the shelter, at the magistrate’s court here on June 7.

The director of the Kuala Lumpur welfare department was named as the sole defendant.

Siti Bainun seeks an order to remove the seal and notice issued on the shelter’s premises in Taman Setapak and for the premises to be used for other purposes than as a care centre.

In the supporting affidavit, Siti Bainun said the department issued a seal notice on July 12 last year, closing the home under the Care Centres Act on the ground that the home was not registered.

She contended the closure was unfair and not in accordance with the administrative principles and law as the department knew that the shelter was still in the registration process.

On April 20 this year, Rumah Bonda received a RM5,000 compound notice, which was paid in full on April 25, she said in a supporting affidavit.

Siti Bainun said she was informed by the welfare department enforcement officer that Rumah Bonda could only be opened by way of a court order although the compound had been paid in full.

“As the chairman of Rumah Bonda and representing committee members, I promise that if the court gives an order to remove the seal, Rumah Bonda and I will not use the premises as a care centre until it is registered under the Care Centres Act,” she said.

Siti Bainun said Rumah Bonda still has to pay a monthly rental of RM2,800 despite the premises being vacant from July 12 last year. - FMT