KUALA LUMPUR: Like a dream, a rented house that has been occupied for almost three decades finally breathes new life after being renovated without incurring any costs under the Rumah Kasih Harapan Kak Wan Series 3 programme.
Rosli Hamidon, 67, a single father of six children, is grateful to have been selected for this programme and describes it as a precious gift to his family.
The house is now more comfortable, especially since he now lives with three of his children, including one who is suffering from a debilitating illness due to spinal nerve injury, resulting in half-body paralysis after a road accident in 2012.
“I am grateful to Allah SWT; all of this feels like a dream to me… I appreciate all these gifts and will strive to take care of this house properly.
“I am happy with the transformed condition of the house, and it is much more comfortable to live in,“ said the retired Kuala Lumpur City Hall employee after receiving the keys to his house in a ceremony held here today.
The keys were presented by Bandar Tun Razak member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Datuk Azman Abidin, the political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wan Azizah, who is the Prime Minister’s wife, said the programme is an initiative spearheaded by the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Office in collaboration with the Gerbang Bandar Tun Razak Foundation, launched in March 2023.
“This programme offers refurbishment facilities without any cost to participants, enabling them to renovate a housing unit for selected B40 groups.
Initially, the estimated cost of renovating one’s house is RM30,000. However, for subsequent programmes, including the second one, the expenses are covered through sponsorship from various private entities, manufacturers, property developers, and others,“ she said.
She pointed out that traditionally, programme participants are chosen from the B40 group who own their homes. However, this time, the eligibility criteria have been extended to include those who rent them as well.
“This family also has a child grappling with an illness… we endeavor to assist them by creating a more conducive environment.
“Alhamdulillah, we have succeeded in enhancing their quality of life and remain dedicated to elevating living standards, particularly for the urban poor, so that they can enhance the ambiance of their homes,“ she said.–Bernama
