GEORGE TOWN – A 34-year-old school security guard and his family of four have been relying on their car as a home for the past eight months because they cannot find an affordable alternative roof over their head after their house was razed in April.
S. Ganesh and his wife M. Parameswary, together with their children aged six and three, as well as an eight-month-old baby, have been using their Proton Iswara as a home.
They shower at the Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) public washroom at the Padang Polo field along Jalan Sepoy Lines. They either park the car beside the field or at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Residensi where he works.
Meals are white rice with soya and some vegetables or noodles. His children also snack on biscuits.
The three-year-old is fed black coffee instead of milk because they cannot afford the basic item.
Their suffering received the attention of Penang Hindu Association (PHA) president P. Murugiah.
Murugiah called a media briefing to highlight the family’s plight, saying that what is most needed now is for the state to provide the family with temporary accommodation.
The association has begun to distribute food to the family, provided by the Temple of Fine Arts.
Murugiah said that aid will be extended for a few months, but it is important that the family be given a proper place to stay while Ganesh finds a better job to help his family survive.
Ganesh’s salary is about RM1,200 a month, but he has somehow been unable to locate affordable accommodation for his family after their home at Carnavon Street here was razed, hence the reliance on his vehicle.
He cannot afford to pay a rental deposit and most of his income goes towards daily provisions for his family.
The family also cooks their own meals at times using a battery-powered stove. They dine in a picnic-like setting at the open field.
Later, state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo said that the state is willing to help, but the family needs to step forward to approach the relevant authorities.
Those who want to help can contact Ganesh directly at 011-3677-9438 or PHA treasurer Nookaraju at 012-407-2846. – The Vibes, December 24, 2020
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