KULIM – Facing eviction while struggling with the need to feed 13 grandchildren has caused a 51-year-old woman here to suffer sleepless nights.
Finally, M. Selvamalar decided to fly a white flag, indicating she needs assistance.
It has been an incredibly difficult period for her, having lost her job as a runner for a law firm over a year ago, and then, her husband R. Vengadeshan, 46, to an illness on May 15.
To make matters worse, Selvamalar met with a motorcycle accident two months back, injuring her legs.
She has been surviving on a RM750 monthly aid from the Social Welfare Department.
“I don’t want to send my grandchildren to the orphanage. I want to raise them until my dying breath despite accusations that I’m lying to the public to get sympathy and money,” she told The Vibes.
Why should I lie? They don’t understand my problem, and they also fail to understand our needs. I have no choice but to feed the 2-year-old black coffee.”
Her grandchildren, aged between 2 and 17, have been living with her since 2013 after a slew of unfortunate events.
Despite her circumstances, Selvamalar said she will try to take over her late husband’s job collecting recyclables.
The family have been living in a RM400-a-month rented house in Kg Belakang SMK Panglima. However, they are facing eviction after failing to make rent for six months.
“My husband, who collected recyclable items to earn a living, was unable to leave the house because of the movement control order and prolonged lockdown since January. His death is the greatest blow to me and our grandchildren,” she said through tears.
“He was the pillar of the family. We still have 11 grandchildren who are in school, and it is a daily struggle to feed them and provide for their education.”
The father of four of the children is mentally ill and visits only occasionally. His wife died years ago.
Another two children do not have birth certificates, while four were abandoned by their parents and left in Selvamalar’s care.
The remaining three were also left with Selvamalar after their mother lost contact with the family.
Butterworth businessman Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam has provided food to the family after The Vibes informed him of their plight.
The items, delivered yesterday evening, include four bags of rice, cooking oil, sugar, noodles, lentils, Milo, biscuits, curry powder, tinned sardines and condensed milk.
Selvamalar said many individuals and civil society groups have come forward with food donations.
She said Padang Serai MP M. Karupaiya is helping apply for birth certificates for the two children who do not have them.
The Vibes also contributed two months’ worth of food items. – The Vibes, July 14, 2021
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