Chinese New Year joy: 92-year-old gets new home under Madani programme

SUNGAI SIPUT: A 92-year-old woman from Kampung Baru Rimba Panjang received the perfect Chinese New Year gift this year in the form of a brand-new house.

After spending five decades in a dilapidated wooden home, Liew Keow's dream of living in a safe, comfortable space has finally come true.

The new house, built under the Madani Home Programme for New Village Residents, replaces her previous residence, which had become unsafe due to neglect and natural wear over the years.

Liew, who lives with her two sons, Chong Loo Ping, 62, and Chong Kooi Shang, 63, had endured years of hardship in her old home.

"The roof leaked whenever it rained, and cracks in the walls left me vulnerable to the cold winds.

During storms, I would pray that the house wouldn't collapse.

"I feel so blessed to celebrate Chinese New Year in a house that feels safe and warm. I can't wait to welcome guests to my new house.

"This is the best Chinese New Year I've ever had. I feel safe, happy, and ready to start a new chapter in life," said the mother of four.

Liew also expressed her gratitude to the Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, and Jalong assemblyman, Loh Sze Yee, for helping her.

The initiative is fully funded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, with Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) entrusted as the implementing agency.

Nga, who visited the house, said that Liew's house was among 21 new homes under the initiative, aimed at replacing houses that are unsafe to live in and not economically viable for repairs.

Nga added that as of last year, a total of 934 development projects had been implemented, with an allocation of RM107.81 million, representing 99 percent of the total allocated budget.

"Among the projects successfully implemented last year was the renovation of 282 houses for low-income residents under the New Village House Repair Assistance Programme.

"Overall, the ministry spent RM121.38 million on Chinese New Village development projects last year. This amount represents an increase of 13.4 percent compared to the previous year (2023), which involved RM107.07 million," he said.

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