Simpang Jeram Indians call for affordable homes and temple

 

Owning her own home has been a long-time dream for S Ganawaly, 75, from Taman Bukit Pasir, Bakri, Johor.

She said although many housing projects were built in Simpang Jeram, her family cannot afford any of those houses priced at RM200,000 and above.

The mother of three children who are in their 20s said her husband, who works as a lorry driver, only earns RM1,600 a month.

“Owning a home is better, we will be very happy,” Ganawaly, who is a voter in the Simpang Jeram state constituency, told Bernama.

After RM600 deducted every month to pay the house rent, there has been a deficit in their financial status which caused banks to reject their loan applications, she added.

Ganawaly said she hopes the representative elected in the Simpang Jeram by-election can address the problems of the Indian community, for example through the construction of more low-cost houses.

Meanwhile, Bakri Indian Community Welfare Association deputy chairperson K Samynathan said the issue faced by Ganawaly is one of the problems faced by hundreds of other Indians in the area.

Of the 40,379 voters in Simpang Jeram, Indians comprise about 1,000, he said.

Apart from the housing issue, he said the Indian community in Simpang Jeram also hoped the construction of a temple in the area, especially in Sungai Abong, could be implemented as soon as possible.

Currently, they have to go to Muar town, which is about 9km from the village area, to pray at the Sri Murugan and Mariamman Temple.

For M Nadomaran, 68, from Taman Bakri Jaya, a temple near home in Simpang Jeram will make it easier for them to celebrate any festival related to their faith.

- Bernama