KOTA KINABALU – A Sabahan pastor living in Johor has made it his personal quest to help a group of more than 20 homeless Malaysians living in makeshift homes in Johor Baru after they were laid off.
The unfortunate group’s predicament came to light about three days ago when photos of their plight went viral on social media, after which Eliver Obin decided to look for them to offer aid.
Obin told The Vibes that many of them hailed from Kota Belud and Kota Marudu in Sabah, some were from Sarawak, while the others are from Perak and Kelantan.
Some of them have been homeless since Malaysia’s first lockdown last year, while the others have spent about two months on the streets, leaving them at the mercy of the elements, as well as at risk of contracting the dreaded Covid-19 virus.
Currently, they are living near the coast of Stulang Laut after being forced to flee the footpath in Komtar JBCC Mall.
“They faced constant harassment from druggies, with some beating them up. Now, they are forced to take refuge behind a large signboard near the (Stulang Laut) beach.
“I met them and they told me their story. I promised to return to provide them food aid and other assistance,” Obin said yesterday.
A video of the pastor, who has been living in Johor for eight years, meeting the group, who are mostly in their 20s to 40s, has also gone viral in Sabah.
Obin, originally from Kg Pinawantai in Kudat, said some from them had worked as cleaners in Singapore, while others worked in local factories. All were laid off because their employers did not renew their contracts.
Some of them have been homeless since the first lockdown last year, while the others have spent about two months on the streets.
— TheVibes.com (@thevibesnews) August 10, 2021
Currently, they are living near the coast of Stulang Laut after being forced to flee the footpath in Komtar JBCC Mall. pic.twitter.com/8MuVXlJjGt
“Most of those in the video are from Singapore. They were told to leave the island nation immediately after losing their jobs. They don’t have any money and are mostly stuck here because of the interstate travel restrictions.
“Their conditions are so desperate that some of them had to sell their handphones to buy rice,” said Obin, adding that some of their family members have also contacted him pleading for help.
The pastor said he received numerous calls from some of group members’ parents who are worried about their sons. He promised them he would help the men as much as he could.
Obin and other pastors from local churches have also been distributing much-needed aid to the group.
“We have given them food and also some items, like mosquito nets and others. We are raising funds with appeals to various groups, including church groups.
“This is humanitarian aid. Some of the (Muslim) homeless folk had refused it because they thought we wanted to convert them.
“But I made it clear to them that this is not about religion. It is about helping those in need, regardless of their race, origin or religion,” he said.
With this explanation, he said the Muslim homeless were more receptive to the assistance from Obin and his fellow pastors.
However, Obin said the church is also lacking funds due to the closure of churches during the lockdown and, therefore, raising funds is a challenge.
The Vibes has also learnt that Tebrau MP Stephen Choong and Kota Belud MP Issnaraissah Munirah Majilis are attempting to reach out to the homeless group. – The Vibes, August 10, 2021
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