THE Johor Islamic Religious Council has stepped in to rescue a family of six, including a one-year-old baby, after they were discovered living inside their car for three days due to the absence of a permanent place to stay.
JOHOR Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the couple, both in their 30s, made the difficult decision after being asked to vacate their rented house in Kampung Ubi, Johor Bahru.
He said the parents and their four children, aged between 12 months and 14 years, were later found sheltering under a bridge in the same village.
The case came to light after information was received from Larkin state assemblyman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, prompting immediate action.
Following the report, the Johor Bahru District Islamic Religious Council was instructed to provide urgent assistance to the family.
“Amin Baitulmal Johor Bahru eventually located the family yesterday and persuaded them to move to a safer and more comfortable place,” Mohd Fared said.
“The head of the family, who is from Batu Pahat, is still employed at a company in Senai, while his wife, who is from Kedah, is a full-time homemaker.
“It turns out that there are still members of our society who are being tested by hardship and adversity, and it is our duty to help them.
“For last night, the family was placed temporarily at a transit accommodation before being relocated to either the Melana 1 or Tiram People’s Housing Project on Tuesday,” he said when contacted.
Mohd Fared said the move was made possible through cooperation with the state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
He added that Johor Women and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail would monitor the family’s welfare, particularly as one of the children is understood to be a person with disabilities who is receiving assistance from the Social Welfare Department.
“MAIJ will carry out further assessments of the family’s needs before providing appropriate zakat assistance.
“Do not allow our families and neighbours to remain in distress without help; we should be attentive to the presence of those who are less fortunate,” he said. - December 23, 2025
