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KULIM – Eviction fears are hitting a 51-year-old grandmother caring for her 13 grandchildren here, after a mediator failed to make good on a promise to secure rental payments for them.
M. Selvamalar, who is taking care for the 13 children in Kg Belakang SMK Tunku Panglima, Kelang Lama, said the mediator, who was negotiating with the houseowner, has yet to come up with a solution to ensure they can stay in their house.
“I am having sleepless nights as I fear the houseowner will force us to vacate the house.
“I have been looking for a suitable house for the last five months and I could not find one as most people proposed flats, which is not conducive for the children,” she told The Vibes.
Selvamalar said their electricity and water supply have also been disconnected after she stopped paying rent for the house.
For now, they are using a mini generator for the lights and fan, for which she spends RM23 for petrol.
“I fear I will be on the streets with my grandchildren if the houseowner forces us out. These are my thoughts whenever I go to sleep and whenever I wake up every morning,” she lamented.
The Vibes had had on July 14 highlighted her desperate plight, which saw her raise the white flag seeking help to care for her 13 grandchildren.
Following the report, many came forward to aid Selvamalar by sending food and cash.
The report had said Selvamalar lost her job as a runner for a law firm more than a year ago before her husband, R. Vengadeshan, 46, died of an illness on May 15.
To make matters worse, Selvamalar had met with a motorcycle accident two months ago, injuring her legs.
She has been surviving on a RM750 monthly aid from the Welfare Department, with RM400 going towards rental for the house.
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 is prepared to take over her late husband’s job collecting recyclables. – The Vibes, August 5, 2021
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