LABUAN – An elderly woman who was separated from her family and stranded for more than 30 years in Sarawak died this morning from stage four lung cancer.
Salmah Adeh, 67, was reunited with her only daughter after being left homeless in the neighbouring state, with help from non-governmental organisation Persatuan Amal Kebajikan Insan Sejagat Sarawak and the Social Welfare Departments of Sibu, Lawas and Labuan.
She died at her daughter’s house in Kg Sg Bedaun here at 4.40am, shortly after sahur.
Noredah Saman, 47, said she is grateful for the chance to look after her mother for more than a month.
“My mother was flown from Sibu to Miri, and driven to the Menumbok jetty on February 26 (before reaching Labuan). She was then immediately warded at Labuan Hospital, and sent back home only on April 10.
“Her health condition was not good as she could barely walk or get up from bed… since then, she had been bedridden.”
Noredah said she is happy that her mother’s wish to return to her family was granted, and that the elderly woman was able to meet her grandchild and other family members before she died.
Years ago, Salmah left Labuan in search of a better income in Sarawak, but wound up being homeless in Sibu when she lost her MyKad and cash in a snatch theft incident.
During her stay in Sibu, she found work at the central market there with a market vendor, who gave her shelter. But, eventually, her employer died and Salmah was left homeless.
The woman then began helping other vegetable vendors in the market to make ends meet, and slept on the footpath for more than two decades.
On January 8, Salmah was taken to Sibu Hospital for treatment when a good Samaritan found her in a weakened state, after which a mercy operation was activated to bring her home. – Bernama, April 15, 2021
