GEORGE TOWN: Security guard S. Ganesh and his family who finally moved into a Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) unit on Saturday after calling their trusty Proton Iswara "home" for the past eight months, have appealed to the public to stop sending any more donations in cash and kind.
This, Ganesh, 34, said was because he had finally gotten what he wanted - a roof over their heads.
"My family and I are deeply touched and thank the Penang government, the Penang Hindu Association, the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and all well-wishers for the overwhelming generosity and support given to us in our time of need.
"With the PPR unit given to us, we humbly request everyone to stop sending any more donations to my family and me," he said.
Ganesh also reiterated his heartfelt gratitude for all the help rendered to his family to enable them to move on with their lives in a safe and conducive environment, especially for his three children.
He said the state government, upon hearing his plea, acted on it and managed to hand over the keys to his PPR unit within 48 hours of his appeal.
It was reported that the family of five were forced to feed their baby coffee and warm water while their other two children ate biscuits when they ran out of food and money.
The family was left homeless when their house at Lebuh Carnavon was destroyed in a fire on April 6.
Since then, the family had been living in their car and frequented public toilets in the city to freshen themselves.
With only RM1,200 salary a month, Ganesh said most money went for the purchase of disposable diapers, petrol and car maintenance.
On Saturday, Ganesh, his wife Parameswari, 32, and their three children finally heaved a sigh of relief after their application for PPR unit was approved by the state government and they moved into their home.