AMPANG: Life has not been easy for Chin Kok Choy and his family.
The 63-year-old, the family's sole breadwinner, suffered a stroke four years ago, rendering him unable to work due to limited mobility and health issues.
Living in a dilapidated wooden house in Kampung Ampang Baru here, Kok Choy's former role was taken up by his wife, Koo Yok Kion, while their son, Chin Kok Ming, 13, helps around with the house chores.
Kok Choy worked as a carpenter at a factory before his illness.
"The stroke also affected my husband's eyesight. His vision is blurry. He still tries to get around on his own to the shops nearby with a cane during the day," said Yok Kion.
She works as a kitchen helper and earns RM40 a day.
"I took on the job at the restaurant to support my husband and son. Since it is not that far from our house, I cycle to work.
"Whatever I make from the restaurant is just enough for us to get by and pay the household bills."
Her family usually has biscuits and noodles for lunch and leftovers from the restaurant for dinner.
Up to now, the one thing that keeps the couple smiling is Kok Ming's stellar academic performance as evident from his Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah results last year.
"He scored straight As in the examination. Despite not attending tuition classes and being busy helping his father get around and living in this deplorable condition, he still makes us proud," Yok Kion said.
As for the Chinese New Year celebration, Yok Kion said it was something the family hardly looked forward to.
"I make sure that each of us has at least a pair of new clothes for the first day. Other than that, we would just stay home. The celebration is just another day for us.
"Even if there are visitors, they will not stay for more than 10 minutes. One or two of my relatives will come and present oranges and angpow packets."
Yok Kion said for now, she would love to have her home repaired.
"My husband will not be able to do so and my son is too young to do any repair work."
Fortunately, their plight caught the attention of web designer Lansson Sim, 29.
"I was giving away my old fridge and was told by a friend about Kok Choy's family. He said they would need one. Upon my arrival at their house to deliver the fridge, I was shocked and saddened to see their living condition. The house is leaking everywhere, the wooden walls have been ravaged by termites and the tin roof is rusty and filled with large holes. I decided then to help."
Sim said Kok Choy had only wanted help with the roof repairs.
"Kok Choy said he did not want to trouble others. He is such a humble person. However, I brought along a few friends to help clean the house and do some repair work.
"A friend who works in the housing sector came to inspect the house. He said the structure was generally not safe. Only one section is salvageable while the rest have got to go."
Nevertheless, Kok Choy refused to move to a new place as he inherited the house and land, which is about 3,900 sq ft, from his late grandmother.
"I have a sentimental attachment to this house. I was born here. I want to pass down everything to my son one day."
The New Straits Times later learned that there were several issues concerning the land title, including the fact that it had been repossessed by the government as the lease had expired.
Sim said he roped in a lawyer to look into the case pro bono.
Meanwhile, Scale Space Works housing contractor Ong Xing Kai, who volunteered to oversee the reconstruction of Chin's house, said the structure, which was built 60 years ago, was beyond repair.
Ong said the plan was to build a new house for Kok Choy and his family
"I managed to get several contacts to help with the construction and supply the materials needed. I propose that we build a new house that is smaller than the current one.
"It will take at least two months to make the arrangements to provide the family with a temporary accommodation near Yok Kion's workplace."
Sim and his friends have also started a crowdfunding page called "To help keep a roof over their heads" at www.simplygiving.com/appeal/help-keep-a-roof-over-their-heads.
Sim said the estimated cost to rebuild the house was RM65,000. They had collected RM25,000 up to last month.
Up to yesterday, the Chin family had received RM35,000 through the crowdfunding set up by Sim.